Oldham primary school extension approved for SEND places

Woodlands Primary School on Broadbent Road has been given the green light to build a single-storey extension that will create more places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The council's planning committee approved the proposal this week, with the new space designed to meet what officials describe as 'rising demand' for specialist provision in the area.

The extension will provide extra teaching space and improve facilities for both new SEND students and existing pupils at the school, which sits next to Oldham Community Sports Club. Planning documents show the development received no objections from local residents, with environmental and infrastructure consultees also raising no concerns once certain conditions were met.

However, the site's location within 250 metres of a former landfill means the council's environmental health team has insisted on a landfill gas risk assessment and full contaminated land investigation before any building work begins. United Utilities has also required a detailed drainage strategy, including sustainable surface water management and a long-term maintenance plan.

Several trees will need to be removed during construction, but the school has committed to replacing them elsewhere on its grounds. The council says the project aligns with its commitment to providing high-quality local education services, particularly in areas experiencing population growth, and supports its goal of reducing inequalities through improved access to specialist learning environments.