A SPECIAL education needs 'inclusion hub' for just four pupils has been agreed for the Monkton Park site on the southern edge of Dorchester.

The site is home to the Dorchester Learning Centre which provides "education and support for all children who find themselves outside of mainstream school education."

The timber-clad building will be modular, constructed off-site, and then put together at Monkton Park to minimise disruption to pupils and staff.

Part of the proposal include an outside secure outside space with 1.8metre surround fencing.

Plans for the building show classrooms at either end, one for each pupil; breakout rooms, kitchen and staff areas, storage and a sensory room in addition to outside pergola and recreation areas. Initially it will only be used by four "complex needs pupils" and includes design features for those with a disability.

The building, although originally intended only for four pupils, is said to be capable of being adapted in the future for more pupils.

The site is classed as being in open countryside within the Dorset National Landscape Area, previously known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where development is only normally allowed in special circumstances which applies for the school, according to planning officers.

The site has been used for various special educational needs for around sixty years and was previously known as Penwithen, which closed in 2005 after it was decided it was no longer financial viable. Since then the site has been redeveloped for associated educational uses, becoming the Dorchester Learning Centre.

The area planning committee heard on Thursday that three mature trees, each said to be nearing the end of their life, will be removed prior to construction of the unit with eighteen additional trees planted as part of the landscaping proposals.

Sections of the Monkton Park site have previously been used by Children's Services and the Youth Offending Team as offices.

Dorset Council has been asked for the expected cost of the development but, at the time of publication, had not responded.