SF Planning are pleased to secure planning permission for change of use to a specialist education centre (Class F.1) in Forest of Dean District.

Alison House, located at Barbers Bridge, Rudford, is a detached bungalow, used as a children’s home. Set within extensive grounds, the site includes a number of outbuildings in addition to the residential home.

The building that our application related to was previously used as a garage/workshop and was purchased by our clients, Hartmore Education, in 2001. Following the purchase it has performed a vital function for various education purposes. The building currently provides an education and support facility for teenagers and young adults, specifically focussing on opportunities for girls.

The facility is well-established and OFSTED registered as an annexe to our client’s main educational facility, based in Hartpury. This valuable learning space serves the girls who live at Alison house, as well as up to 12 others, who commute daily to the facility.

During the course of the project, our consultants worked proactively with the planning officer and gathered evidence to demonstrate the continuous use of the building as an education facility as well as demonstrating the proposals complied with the development plan.

Planning permission was duly granted by the local planning authority at Forest of Dean District Council.