PLANS for a new special school in Ross have been submitted to Herefordshire planners.

GEM Hereford is an independent co-educational school, which provides meaningful, bespoke education within a supportive learning environment, is now looking to convert Hildersley Cottage, located along the A40, set in 0.75 acres of gardens, into a new school.

It is currently in use as a residential home, but previously planning permission was granted in September 2023 to turn the property into a residential children's home.

The applicant states that the school would cater for students from Key Stage two, three and four with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or anxiety, trauma, and related diagnoses.

The applicant proposes that a total of 20 students would attend the school and would arrive between 9.15am and 9.45am in the morning, staggering their arrival to minimise traffic disruption, and would leave between 2.45pm and 3.15pm in the afternoon.

There would be ten staff on site, and they will arrive by 9am and leave after 3.30 pm. The school will operate Monday to Friday, for 39 weeks of the year, with students present on site for 38 weeks of the year.

The applicant states: “Our school operates in a calm, quiet environment, and we are operating very successfully in Hereford, which is a residential area.

“We are on good terms with all the neighbours. Hildersley Cottage is at the edge of a residential area, with commercial buildings to two sides. We aim to build good local relationships.

“When we open the second site, we are hoping to increase our staffing levels with 13 jobs, so will be able to offer employment in the local area. This will include teachers, teaching assistants, maintenance, administrative and cleaning staff, so there will be employment at all levels.

“The building in its current configuration is perfect for our needs, and would need no alterations, other than to install fire doors and a fire escape system following a health and safety survey and report.

“Within the grounds, we would widen the entrance gates to allow easier access to vehicles. We would install a higher fence around the perimeter of the grounds to secure the premises.

“We would also extend the parking area to the back of the building to accommodate a total of 12 vehicles, using an environmentally sustainable material for the car park.”

Comments on the application, number P250231/F can be made on the Herefordshire planning portal until March 5.