Decision due next week on Omega Centre SEND facility

Plans to transform a former Southsea arts and community hub into a special educational needs school are set to go before councillors next week.

The proposal would see the Omega Centre in Omega Street, Southsea, converted from community use into a new special educational needs facility as part of the Mary Rose Academy, run by the Solent Academies Trust.

The application, submitted by Andrew Malbon on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, is recommended for approval subject to 13 planning conditions.

It is being brought to planning committee because the scheme is a council development and would create more than 250 sqm of additional floorspace.

If approved, the Edwardian former school building, currently operating as an arts and community centre in the Charles Dickens Ward, would be repurposed as a facility for young people with autism and learning difficulties up to the age of 19.

The plans include single storey extensions to the main building within the courtyard and the construction of a new classroom block along the southern boundary.

A small outbuilding is also proposed, along with minor demolition work including parts of the boundary wall to the north and south and the removal of four mature trees.

The new additions would be single storey with pitched roofs and gable ends, and finished in masonry at ground level with standing seam zinc cladding above.

Overall, the development would provide support for up to 76 children and young people with special educational needs.

Parking would be formalised along the southern edge of the site, creating 13 spaces.

A section of adjacent park land would also be taken to form an outdoor area for canopies and recreation space, with the applicant stating play equipment would be relocated and the park made good following the works.

Four mature trees are also set to be removed as part of the development.

There has been one public representation received on the scheme, which is in support of the proposals.

Planning officers have recommended approval subject to conditions ahead of next week’s decision meeting on May 27.