Blind School plans hope

AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million-pound expansion of the Royal Blind School look set to be approved.

The plans outline a 6.8 million expansion, including a new residential living space.

The school has formally submitted the proposals, which are expected to be approved at a planning meeting on Wednesday. However, the intended start date for the project, originally this summer, has been put back for at least a year because of the recession and uncertainty about new legislation.

The five-year masterplan includes the creation of a three-storey residential block, a new lift and a sensory garden.

The proposals attracted 25 objections from community groups and individuals who are concerned about the height and scale of the new building and the impact on the area.