A valleys special school in Wales is set to expand to meet the needs of rising pupil numbers. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee recently approved a new single-story classroom block at Maesgwyn Special School in Cwmdare. The proposed block will contain three classrooms and will be built on the site of the multi-use games area.
Maesgwyn Special School currently caters to children aged 11-19 with complex learning needs and has 120 pupils on its roll. With a projected increase in student numbers, the need for additional teaching space has become imperative. The approved development aims to provide modern educational facilities for the pupils without compromising the character and appearance of the site or the amenity of neighbouring properties.
While there was one objection citing concerns about loss of privacy, noise during construction, and the impact on property values, planning officers have assured that the proposed classroom block will be a valuable addition to the school. They highlighted that the development will not directly overlook neighbouring properties and will not significantly disrupt the surrounding area.
Furthermore, the report acknowledged the reduction in outdoor play area due to space constraints but assured that a significant portion of the multi-use games area will be retained and enhanced, with additional outdoor play areas available within the vicinity. The technical limitations of the site, such as topography and mining legacy, have led to the building’s location choice.
Committee chair Sharon Rees expressed support for the development, emphasizing the importance of the new facilities for children with special needs. She reassured that the classroom block is a much-needed addition that will not cause disturbances to nearby residences. The approval of the expansion aligns with the council’s commitment to providing adequate educational resources for all students.
The expansion of Maesgwyn Special School reflects the ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing student population while maintaining a high standard of education and support for children with complex learning needs in the region.