A school for pupils with additional learning needs in Street is set to expand after Somerset Council approved plans to convert a neighbouring property behind the former Crispin Shopping Centre.

Inaura School has operated from 12 Leigh Road since late 2023, following planning permission granted by the former Mendip District Council earlier that year. The independent, not-for-profit school has now secured permission to expand into 12a Leigh Road, with the extension expected to open in spring or summer 2026.

The new site sits directly behind the shopping centre, which is due to be demolished and replaced by a Churchill Retirement development.

Both properties originally formed part of the Strode School, opened by Clarks in 1925 as a philanthropic venture to mark 100 years of trading.

Each pupil at Inaura is placed through an education, health and care plan (EHCP), agreed jointly with parents, the school, and the council. The expansion will allow the school to support four additional pupils and employ four more teachers, continuing its intensive one-to-one approach.

A school spokesperson said: "There are no adverse impacts that would stem from this proposal, let alone significant ones, and the benefits and need for such specialised educational facilities represent a significant benefit to society.

"Because of the special nature of the school and its large catchment area, it needs to be located where it is readily accessible to its students, and in suitable premises.

"We are proud to have found this additional building which will benefit the needs of the students in our care."

advertisement

The expansion was approved under delegated powers by council planning officers, rather than going before Somerset Council's east area planning committee.

More local stories:

• Street farmer blocked as council rejects 36‑container plan
• Glastonbury: £420k handed to failed project after funding freeze
• Somerset news in brief: councillor jailed, major drugs raids, rail disruption and bakery scoops national award

• Newsletter call-out: Sign up to your nearest Nub News newsletter, https://sheptonmallet.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe, https://glastonbury.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe — Get the top stories from across the area every Friday.