A HAMPSHIRE school for children with special educational needs has been refused consent to replace its fire-damaged building.
Civic chiefs have rejected plans to construct a two-storey complex in a field beside the privately-owned Fair Ways School in New Road, Swanwick.
Fair Ways has a waiting list and argued the proposed development would enable it to increase the number of pupils.
But Fareham Borough Council said the scheme amounted to a new school in an area that was designated as countryside.
Objectors to the proposal claimed it would damage the character and appearance of the area, which is near Swanwick Nature Reserve and the River Hamble.
The fire broke out on a Friday evening in July 2021 and resulted in the school's main building being replaced by pre-fabricated classrooms.
READ MORE: New main building could spring up at Fair Ways School in New Road, Swanwick
A report to councillors said: "Following the fire planning permission was granted to relocate the school into Manor Farm Cottage, an existing children’s home south of Fair Ways.
"The permission also permitted alterations to the damaged school building.
"It was anticipated that the building would be used as staff facilities once the school had been relocated to Manor Farm Cottage.
"Statistics provided by Hampshire County Council demonstrate there is a need for special educational school placements and the need is set to increase over the coming years.
"For this reason, Hampshire County Council’s Education Services have confirmed they are in support of the proposal."
The application said proposals to use Manor Farm Cottage have now been dropped in favour of providing a brand-new facility.
"The fire has caused Fair Ways to re-evaluate how education and accommodation is provided on the site," it said.
"This has highlighted that the transfer of the school to Manor Farm Cottage is far from desirable. The development now proposed is an alternative to that scheme and involves a new school building."
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The report acknowledged that Fair Ways provides a valuable service for children with special educational needs.
But it reminded members that the school had been given consent to enlarge the existing building and move the pupils to Manor Farm Cottage.
"This is considered to be a good example of redevelopment of previously developed land and buildings as opposed to the current proposal, which is proposing to build on undeveloped land.
"The applicant has not provided any clear evidence to demonstrate why the proposed facilities cannot be accommodated within the existing school site."
Mac McHugh, chief executive of Fair Ways, said: "Obviously this decision is very disappointing.
"Disappointing for Fair Ways but more significantly disappointing for the ever-increasing number of special needs pupils, and their families, who do not have suitable school placements.
"Hampshire County Council has published data showing that by 2027 they project to have a shortfall of 659 secondary special school places.
"We are determined to work with the local planning authority to find a suitable alternative in this location.
"Our hope, and the hope of many parents and families of local children in need of suitable educational placements, is that we can find a resolution and bring this vision to reality."
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