A NEW sixth form centre based in Cockermouth for SEND pupils across West Cumbria has been approved by councillors.

An application was put to the Cumberland Council development panel to permit the extension of the former St Joseph's School site in Cockermouth to be altered and form a sixth form campus for pupils from Mayfield School, Whitehaven including new vehicle access and external works.

Councillors met yesterday, July 5 at Allerdale House,Workington unanimously approving the plans.

St Joseph’s School was closed in 2021, due to falling pupil numbers and has been vacant ever since.

It has previously been stated that the students using the new centre will be aged 16 to 19, as they stay in sixth form for an extra year. The initial cohort will be 23, building to 60 to 70 over a few years.

In an officers report given to councillors prior to the meeting, it was said that there would only be 'minor alterations' to the existing school building, with plans 'bringing back to use' the former school building.

The officer said: "I consider the proposed alterations to the school would be minor alterations and the capacity of St Joseph’s would be significantly decreased from when St Joseph’s was at its prime.

"Mayfield School would bring back into use a school which has been left empty and would become a derelict disused building."

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Andrew Semple, for Cockermouth South, said: “When I was a town councillor we had a meeting with the head at Mayfield School.

“The reason they are moving to Cockermouth is a really good one. It’s about integrating sixth formers and future employment.”

One objection had been received by a member of the public, which raised concerns over an increase in noise levels and pupils sitting on the grass in the adjacent care home.

Cllr Semple said: “I’m aware of that objection but I think the person doesn’t realise it’s older children.

“It’s a really well put through development.”

Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of approving the scheme, subject to conditions.