Change Of Use For Commercial Building

Berrys was appointed by Pathway Schools Limited to secure planning permission for the change of use of a commercial building in Hereford into a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school. Marking a significant milestone for our client’s first dedicated SEND school development.

Operating across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, Pathway Schools identified a two-storey, open-plan property in the Rotherwas Industrial Estate as an ideal space to support the educational and practical needs of their pupils. The building’s layout, location and dedicated parking provision made it a strong candidate to deliver a high-quality educational environment.

However, the project presented a key planning challenge as the proposed change of use involved the loss of designated employment land, requiring careful negotiation and policy justification.

How We Approached The Project

From the outset, Berrys worked closely with Pathway Schools to understand their operational needs and identify planning opportunities within local policy frameworks.

Our strategy focused on:

• Demonstrating policy compliance while building a strong case for exception based on clear community need.
• Highlighting the employment generating benefits of the school, which would support a greater number of jobs compared to the building’s previous commercial use.
• Showcasing the extensive site search carried out by Pathway Schools, evidencing that suitable alternatives were not readily available in the local market.

The strategic importance of the project was emphasised in addressing a significant shortfall in SEND provision within Herefordshire, a factor we were aware would weigh strongly in planning balance considerations. Throughout the process, our team maintained open dialogue with the Council’s Planning Department, working collaboratively to address concerns and shape a positive recommendation.

How We Achieved The Project

We were pleased to secure approval, with the Council recognising the exceptional circumstances and the wider community benefit of the proposal.

The school will deliver:

• 25 new pupil places in a specialist setting
• A core staff team of 10, with additional support roles
• A meaningful contribution to local education infrastructure
• Retention of the site’s employment function in a broader sense

This successful outcome not only enables Pathway Schools to expand their provision but also strengthens local SEND capacity in an area with pressing demand. Berrys is proud to have supported this impactful project and to have played a part in delivering a vital new community asset in Hereford.