The Planning Committee of Wokingham Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss a planning application for a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) resource base at St. Paul's Church of England Junior School. The committee approved the application, subject to referral to the Secretary of State due to an objection from Sport England regarding the loss of playing field.

St. Paul's Church of England Junior School SEND Resource Base

The committee considered an application for a single-storey SEND resource base at St. Paul's Church of England Junior School, located on Oxford Road, Wokingham¹. The proposed development aims to provide an autism spectrum disorder resource base for up to 16 pupils, requiring six additional staff members.

The primary policy issue raised was the loss of a portion of the school's playing field, which led to an objection from Sport England. Officers acknowledged this conflict with local plan policies designed to protect playing fields. However, they argued that the educational and community benefits of the SEND provision outweighed this conflict. The proposal was presented as part of a wider council strategy to address a shortfall in specialist educational places within the borough, allowing children to be educated closer to home.

During the discussion, Councillor Wayne Smith sought clarification on the extent of the playing field loss, and it was explained that any loss of playing field land can trigger an objection from Sport England, regardless of the quantum. Councillor Caroline Smith inquired about previous instances of similar objections and their outcomes, with officers noting that such situations are relatively rare and often involve alternative sports provision being offered.

Concerns were also raised about the site's accessibility, particularly regarding wheelchair access and the potential for the new unit to impact the usability of the remaining playing fields. Officers confirmed that the building would be designed to be wheelchair accessible and that sufficient space would remain for PE activities, including the potential for a seven-a-side pitch and a running track. The proposed fencing around the new unit was discussed, with clarification that it would not encompass the entire remaining playing field area.

The application was ultimately recommended for approval, with an additional condition to secure carbon dioxide emission reductions. However, due to Sport England's maintained objection, the decision required referral to the Secretary of State via the National Planning Casework Unit before a final decision notice could be issued. The applicant indicated they might withdraw the application if it were called in for determination by the Secretary of State.

The committee voted to approve the application, with the decision being unanimous.