New Beech Lodge School could open in a farm

An independent school which lost out on the chance to open at the former Holyport Manor site could start up in a temporary home.

The team behind Beech Lodge School has applied for planning permission to open it in a building formerly used for education at Top Farm in Honey Lane, Hurley.

The plans have been recommended to be approved by Maidenhead development control panel, which meets on Wednesday.

Founders of Beech Lodge include property developer Michael Shanly and his partner Daniela Szmigielska.

If the application is accepted the aim is to open Beech Lodge in January and continue the search for a bigger, permanent home.

The school would eventually cater for children aged seven to 16, whose 'needs may not be fulfilled in a mainstream school and require a tailored learning environment'.

The team, which also includes Emma and Nigel Barklem, had put in an offer to buy land previously home to Holyport Manor School in Ascot Road, Holyport, earlier this year.

But they lost out to a rival bid made by a group headed by deputy council leader Simon Dudley (Con, Riverside) which plans to open a free school there in 2014.

Visit www.beechlodgeschool.co.uk for details.

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