PLANS for a major expansion of a Wickford special needs school have been given the green light so it can cope with soaring demand. 

Castledon School, in Bromfords Drive, currently has 171 students at the school but its buildings only have capacity for 114 youngsters. 

Now, a two-storey building including eight classrooms, a sports hall and a physio room will increase the school’s capacity to 196 pupils. 

In addition, a single-storey extension will be connected to the Oriel building, which will feature additions, such as one classroom, a group room and circulation spaces.

Don Morris, Wickford Castledon ward Conservative councillor, said: “It is a success for the school, and we should be very proud of that. With the pupils being able to get taught new subjects, such as drama and music, it will allow them to potentially discover a passion, which will ultimately set them up for their future career pathways.”

It is hoped that the new buildings will help staff teach a “broader range of subjects”. 

Plans were given the green light by Essex County Council on Tuesday.

In a report by Essex County Council ahead of the meeting, it was stated: “A lack of facilities prevents the school from extending its curriculum to teach a broader range of subjects, including dance, music and drama, and offering a range of qualifications that would increase opportunities for future career choices and employability.

“The new accommodation would increase the school role of 196 pupils, an increase of 25 pupils.”

The two-tiered building is being placed to the south-east of the main school building.

Even though it is going on green belt land, which can only be used for construction under “very special circumstances”, the plans have been accepted due to the school providing places to meet the demand for special educational need sites in the county.

A public consultation was held between May 15-29, with 22 responses received from residents.

The majority supported the proposals, but some had concerns regarding traffic and an invasion of privacy from the two-storey building’s windows, which overlook residential properties.

Mr Morris added these concerns are “fair” but it will bring “great benefits” for the children.