A proposal for a specialist learning centre on a busy shopping street in Nottinghamshire has been submitted to local planners.
Samantha Coxon-Smith, representing Next Level Tailored Education Ltd, has filed an application with Broxtowe Borough Council to convert a retail unit on Nottingham Road in Eastwood into a dedicated educational space for pupils who cannot attend regular schools.
The scheme concerns the ground level of 9 to 11 Nottingham Road, situated within the Churchill House premises, and would transform it into a learning environment for young people outside mainstream education.
Watsons Estate Agents, a family-owned business currently operating from that location, is due to vacate Churchill House and relocate to alternative premises along the same commercial thoroughfare.
According to planning paperwork, should councillors approve the scheme, the facility would accommodate young people in a modest-sized setting.
Alternative Education Providers deliver instruction to children and teenagers unable to participate in ordinary school settings.
This situation may arise because a student has been expelled or temporarily removed, experiences mental health or medical difficulties, displays challenging behaviour, or has special educational needs or disabilities.
Such providers furnish young people with more personalised instruction beyond conventional classrooms in intimate surroundings, frequently delivering occupationally-oriented programmes.
The application states that the structure’s external appearance would remain unchanged, with only minor internal modifications to create classrooms, support spaces, staff offices, amenities, protection measures and accessibility features.
The council has set a decision deadline for the application for 18 September 2026.