Bicker preparatory School given permission for therapy buildings and disabled toilet on site

A school has been granted permission to place therapy outbuildings in its grounds.

The two 4.5m x 3m buildings, standing approximately 2.7m high, will be used as a sensory pod and therapy pod at Bicker Preparatory School.

Planners also gave the green light for the construction of a flat-roofed front extension measuring approximately 3m x 1.9m and standing approximately 3.2m-high, which will be provide a new disabled toilet at the School Lane site.

“These three buildings will provide a small amount of additional space required by the new school to meet the education requirements of pupils,” a planning and heritage statement created by agent Alder King Planning Consultants on behalf of applicant Nine Points Property explained.

“The sensory and therapy rooms are purposely provided separately from the main school building.

“The disabled W/C and shower is now a regulatory requirement. It cannot be accommodated within the existing building.”

Heritage Lincolnshire pointed out the site is located partly within the Bicker Conservation Area and that special attention must therefore be given to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the CA’s appearance and character.

As a result the original plan to provide three pods was amended and an enclosure for bin storage of an area of the front yard to the west of the small brick outbuilding included.

One resident raised concerns that the proposed extension might have impacts upon the availability of light to their dining room window, but made no formal objection to the plan.

Plans were passed by Boston Borough Council.