PLANS to demolish part of Longley School and build a new two-storey building are set to get the go-ahead.

The ambitious development is recommended for approval by councillors on a planning committee which meets on Thursday.

A new two-storey building would be built to the east of the present school, in Longley.

And the existing, relatively modern, flat-roofed two-storey school building and stables would be demolished.

The original Victorian building would remain.

The plan, which has been submitted by Kirklees Council, also includes play areas and pitches.

A new five-a-side court and all-weather pitch is proposed on the playing fields.

The scheme would be funded through a public private partnership project between Kirklees Council and a private developer.

The new school would be built on urban green space, but a report to the Huddersfield Area Planning Sub-committee says that this is permitted where there is a specific community benefit, if the visual amenity, wildlife value and opportunities for sport and recreation are protected.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: "The new building offers an exciting opportunity to build a state-of-the-art school which will operate as a centre of excellence in the provision of special educational needs in the future.

"The local education authority completed an extensive consultation process in 2001 and 2002 as part of the review of special school provision in Kirklees.

"The original model for change included for the development and extension of Longley School."

The current school is provided in three separate buildings, none of which are linked, causing access problems.

Two designs were submitted for approval. The spokesman said: "The education authority have concluded that building a new two-storey school within the curtilage of the current side would offer better value for money and the opportunity to build a state of the art school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties to replace the current school buildings."

Three local residents have objected to the application. They are concerned about the effect on trees and say existing woodland needs to be protected.

They are also worried about traffic safety because of the speed of traffic at Dog Kennel Bank and the virtually blind school entrance.

Some suggest that the new school be sited where the existing two-storey building stands rather than encroaching on to the fields nearer to the houses.

The school provides education for 156 pupils aged from five to 16. This includes facilities for six primary and 16 secondary pupils with autism.

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