St Leonards school unveils plans to build new classrooms
A school in St Leonards has put forward plans to build new classrooms to replace outdated facilities.
Torfield and Saxon Mount Academy Trust, which runs Saxon Mount School, in Edinburgh Road, submitted a planning application to Hastings Borough Council seeking permission to remove four single-storey mobile classrooms at the school and replace them with a two-storey modular building containing eight classrooms and a link bridge on the first floor.
A design and access statement by Blox Architects, on behalf of the applicant, said: “Saxon Mount School caters for children and young people who have a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly autism and moderate learning difficulties. Saxon Mount caters for over 180 pupils of ages 11 to 16.
“Previous applications sought to address the sport deficiencies including a two-court sports hall, and a ball games enclosure, approved in September 2025. Neither scheme has been built due to cost and funding. The school has advised a change in its priorities and the need to address teaching and halls space.
“The development is needed to address existing overcrowding and to provide adequate teaching facilities for the pupils within Saxon Mount’s care.”
A planning statement by Rackham Planning Ltd said: “The proposal responds to an identified need to replace teaching accommodation that has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer suitable as a long-term learning environment.
“The replacement buildings would provide modern, accessible and purpose-designed accommodation and enable the school to meet the requirements of its existing pupil roll.
“The accommodation includes general and specialist teaching rooms, together with toilets, storage, staff and support spaces. A first-floor bridge would connect the new block to the main school, enabling pupils and staff to use the existing school lift and providing an inclusive route between the school to the new buildings.”
Members of the public may view the full details of the application and submit comments via the council's planning portal at www.hastings.gov.uk/planning by searching under the reference number HS/FA/26/00546 or by visiting the council offices during normal opening hours.
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