Proposed New SEND School In Havering Prompts Concerns Over Loss Of Playing Field.

A proposed new school for children with special educational needs (SEND) in Havering has prompted concerns over the loss of a playing field, writes local democracy reporter Sebastian Mann.

The Balgores School, in Balgores Lane, will look after 300 pupils aged between four and 19.

A representative from the architecture farm Haverstock told Havering Council’s strategic planning committee last night (10th July) the plans were still being developed and fine-tuned.

Sports England has fundamentally objected to the scheme due to the permanent loss of a playing field in the area.

Labour councillor Jane Keane said that, on the face of it, the loss of the field was “reason not to pursue [the development]” due to issues with obesity in the borough.

Classrooms and facilities in the two-storey building will be split up for different pupils, depending on their ability. The plans also include a suite of therapy rooms, assembly halls, and a multi-use sports pitch suitable for children’s five-a-side football.

The neighbouring Squirrels Heath School also has “occasional” access to the field, and the developers are “in negotiations” over pupils being able to use the new pitch.

Conservative group leader Keith Prince said most residents supported the need for a SEND school, but there was “very grave concern” about parking.

There will be 41 bays for staff, while pupils will be dropped off and collected by minibuses or their parents or guardians.

Cllr Prince said there wasn’t a “clear picture” of how the traffic will be managed, pointing to the fact two buses cannot pass by each other in Balgores Lane.

Transport for London has also pushed for the number of parking spots to be reduced, as part of a London-wide campaign to move away from driving.

The Haverstock representative said drop-offs will be staggered and only 46 vehicles would be coming by the school – 13 private cars and 33 minibuses.

Development was approved last November, and the council has spent £2m on drawing up plans with its partners.

The early proposals have been subject to five pre-application meetings and the council says that “further work” is still needed.

The purpose-built school is expected to open in September 2027.

The council hopes the school will take the pressure off its social care budget.

In some instances, the council pays for SEND children to attend specialist schools outside the borough due to a shortage of places.

This has led to social care becoming one of the biggest strains on the cash-strapped town hall, which entered the financial year with a £74million budget gap.

A formal planning application is yet to be put forward.

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