Plans to make changes to a historic Balsall Common site to ensure it can be used as a special school once again have been revealed.

Diddington Hall in Kenilworth Road was previously used by special education needs school (SEND) The Island Project before it relocated to a site in Shirley last year.

Now Witherslack Group want to re-open the premises with a new special educational needs school based there, but says various work is needed to allow for its "refurbishment and amendments to meet the school's future operational needs".

An application lodged with Solihull Council includes plans for a new external classroom block, multi-use games area, perimeter fencing, new external window and louvred vents.

A planning, design and access statement from Witherslack Group, included with the application, says: "The proposed works would be fully supportive of both local and national planning policies to support the future sustainable use of the heritage asset – Diddington Hall – and allow for the continued use of the site as an important educational facility within the local area.

"The application site comprises the Grade II listed building known as Diddington Hall.

"All works have been sensitively chosen to conserve the building's original architectural features and ensure any works can be easily reversed in the future without causing harm to the original fabric of the building.

"The external classroom will be clad in natural cedar timber panels which will provide a durable and natural material – this being sensitive to the heritage setting of the Diddington Hall."

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A consultation is now underway with a closing date for submissions of April 7.