An application to convert a country house between Liss and Selborne into an independent specialist school for SEN children has been handed to planners.

Empshott Grange could be transformed into a primary day school with secondary provision for up to 40 children.

The proposed school off Church Lane would cater for children with moderate learning needs, high functioning autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

The school would operate to a conventional school timetable with daily 8am to 5pm opening times with parking, play space and landscaping is also planned.

The need for SEN provision in schools is growing as more than 1.6million pupils in England have a Special Educational Need according to National Statistics.

There are 61 schools that provide specialist provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties in Hampshire – and just 19 of those are secondary.

Empshott LLP – the group behind the application – has been set up as a joint venture to ease the demand facing Hampshire County Council to meet SEN needs locally.

They want to transform the imposing house into a “welcoming and suitable environment” to meet the educational needs of pupils with SEN.

The applicants believe the immediately available building, located away from larger residential areas, offers the perfect environment and is ideal for conversion.

The “beautiful and substantial building” has extensive grounds while its “extremely desirable” rural location is likely to be a “massive pull” for families.

It would also go a long way to meeting demand in East Hampshire as the county’s Special Needs Commissioner believes the district will require at least 65 and 72 primary and secondary new school places, respectively, for children with SEN by 2031.

The application has already garnered a letter of support, for more details type 03736 after following the search applications link at https://planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/