A SITE visit to a Beoley special school has been carried out following controversy over a planning application.

Skilts School, on Gorcott Hill, is worried that a change of use for buildings at a neighbouring farm could threaten pupils' safety

The school is a boarding school which caters for 50 children aged up to 11 who have emotional or behavioural problems.

Upper Skilts Farm's proposed changes include converting stable buildings into offices and creating car parking.

The application was objected to by Studley Parish Council and referred to Stratford Council's Arden area planning committee on January 11, where it was recommended for approval, but councillors decided to arrange a site visit before a final decision was made, which took place last Monday.

Headteacher Margaret Probert said: "No discussion took place at the meeting because most councillors did not know what the site looked like, but a site visit has been carried out and we expect another planning meeting will take place in about a month's time."

She added the school's main concern over the application was that the children were vulnerable and the isolated location of the school meant they had freedom within the confines of the grounds, which would be under threat if the development went ahead.