A NEW school for people with autism can be opened in Rixton.

Bright Futures School are proposing to open the new school facilities by converting the existing Mission House on Moat Lane, which is currently used as a three bedroom detached dwelling.

The proposed change of use of The Mission House will offer around 240sq metres of school facilities.

Planning documents state: “Bright Futures School specialises in provision for children with autism and brings a new approach to autism education.

“They focus on the core difficulties that lie at the heart of autism.

“These include problems with rigid thinking, managing uncertainty and change, social interaction and understanding and managing emotions.

“These are the difficulties that are at the root of distressed (challenging) behaviour.”

Four classrooms will be created as well as a kitchen area for food tech lessons.

The school will be specially designed for children aged 14 to young adults of 25.

Originally built in the Victorian era as a village hall, The Mission House includes large grounds which can be used as part of the new facilities.

It is locally listed and the work will include a small extension.

The planning application adds: “I believe the proposals strike a balance between the architectural and historic interest of the heritage asset and that the proposals as set out will not present any detrimental impact or harm upon the designated heritage assets in accordance with local and national planning policy.

n You can see the application in more detail by visiting warrington.gov.uk.