Temporary Classrooms Approved for Stafford Special School

Planning permission has been granted for Marshlands School in Stafford to install a temporary modular building containing two urgently needed classrooms. The approval, issued by Stafford Borough Council on Friday 24 October 2025, allows the school to address a significant shortage of teaching space.

Google Maps image of Marshlands School, Stafford

Marshlands is a Community Special Primary School catering for pupils aged 5-11 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). According to documents submitted with the application, there has been a significant increase in the number of pupils requiring SEND places in the catchment area, with pupil numbers expected to rise from 175 to over 200. Currently, some pupils are being taught in the school hall due to the lack of space.

The newly approved building is a temporary measure needed until more permanent facilities are completed. Staffordshire County Council is planning a permanent classroom extension and internal alterations, but these works are not expected to start until Spring 2026.

Details of the Temporary Building:

• It will be a single-storey modular building measuring 15m x 7.8m.

• It will contain two classrooms, each approximately 51 sqm, along with toilet facilities including a disabled WC.

• Access will be via timber ramps and steps to ensure accessibility.

• External finishes will include pine-coloured wood cladding and grey steel panels.

Wondering what a modular building is? Modular buildings are typically made in a factory and then taken to the site to put together. This way is quicker than the usual construction methods and produces top-notch structures for all sorts of uses, like homes, schools, and offices.

The building will be located on part of the tarmac play area and grassed space to the north-west of the main school buildings. Some existing outdoor exercise equipment will be relocated elsewhere on the site. Planners considered the location carefully due to site constraints like underground drains and the need to maintain access for the future permanent extension works.

The permission is granted for a limited period of 3 years, expiring on 24th October 2028. After this date, the temporary building must be removed, and the land restored to its original condition.

Planners noted that the building's position and design, with no windows on the elevation facing nearby houses, means it should not harm the amenity of neighbours. Existing school access and parking arrangements will not be affected. The project is also exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements due to the small area of grass affected.