The proposals – which are still subject to final agreement from the Department for Education – are designed to help meet growing demand by creating a purpose built school on the site of the council's former Priory Green offices in Pendeford.
The new school, designed by architects Astley Partnership and managed by the Central Learning Partnership Trust, will feature safe, spacious classrooms designed to support calm, structured learning, alongside specialist facilities to enhance communication, sensory development and independence. Accessible indoor and outdoor spaces will help ensure all pupils can learn and thrive.
The new facility will replace the existing Broadmeadow Special School at West Park, increasing capacity from 75 to 120 places and extending provision from ages 3 to 11 years to 3 to 19.
Granting permission, the council said the development would deliver significant educational, social and community benefits, helping to meet current and future demand for specialist school places in Wolverhampton. It added that the scheme would make effective use of a previously developed site while improving educational infrastructure in a sustainable location, and represent a “substantial public benefit”.
Funding for the project was agreed by the council's Cabinet last month.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for the new Broadmeadow Special School, marking a significant milestone for this important project.
"The decision recognises the clear need for additional specialist provision in Wolverhampton and brings us a step closer to delivering this fantastic new school.
"Demand for specialist school places continues to grow, and these plans will help ensure that more pupils with additional needs can access the high quality education and support they need closer to home.
"The new purpose built school will provide modern, inclusive facilities designed around the needs of pupils, while increasing capacity and extending provision from early years through to post-16 education. It will support children and young people throughout their educational journey in an environment that enables them to learn, develop and thrive.
"This project has been many years in the making, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment in reaching this stage. We now look forward to securing final approval from the Department for Education and turning these plans into reality for children, young people and families across Wolverhampton."
Georgetta Holloway OBE, Chief Executive of the Central Learning Partnership Trust, said: "The approval of these plans represents a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to an outstanding learning environment where they can thrive.
“We, Central Learning Partnership Trust, are deeply committed to the city of Wolverhampton and the communities we serve, and are delighted to be moving a step closer to delivering a purpose built school that will provide enhanced opportunities, specialist facilities and the very best support for current and future generations of pupils and their families.
“This investment demonstrates our shared ambition to create exceptional educational provision that meets local needs and helps every young person achieve their full potential.”
