An “historical” school in Hayes wants to extend into protected greenbelt land as it looks to keep up with demand for its specialist services.

Baston House School in Baston Road has applied for permission to demolish sheds and remove porticable buildings so it can build eight new classrooms to allow for extra pupils.

The cottages at the site have been used for education since it was opened as an independent school for girls in 1933.

Baston House is now a specialist school for young people on the autistic spectrum, currently rated as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted.

The school said in a submitted statement: “The school, due to its specialist nature in educating young people on the autistic spectrum, is currently working with eight south London local authorities and is in much demand.

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“Currently operating with 80 young people, the school is looking to expand its provision by a capacity of 30 to allow more young people to benefit from such a service.

“The school wants to extend into an area currently used as sheds and a garden, bulldozing a derelict groundsman shed – not affecting the existing, historical buildings.”

The site is listed as greenbelt, meaning it shouldn’t be developed on – but the school says expansion is better for the wider community.

This is the second time the school has applied for planning permission, with a previous attempt thrown out.

One neighbour has hit back at the plans, objecting to them because of the increased traffic a bigger school would bring.

Christopher North submitted: “The road is often blocked when there are too many cars trying to use it or when large lorries use it.

“It will also increase traffic on the already busy local roads, Oakley Road, Five Elms and Baston Road.

“The property is on greenbelt land and in a conservation area and as such should be preserved rather than built upon.”

Officers at the council are currently considering the application.