More changes afoot at former wedding hotel making way for new school near Kinver
Developers behind moves to convert a former wedding venue to a new special school near Kinver are applying to change some planning conditions.
Bromsgrove based childcare enterprise Polaris Community's is transforming the historic Dunsley Hall, in Dunsley Road Road, after after being granted change of use application along with a new perimeter fence and a multi-use games area by planners in July 2025.
Now it is asking South Staffordshire Council for permission to discharge conditions relating to historic building recording level three, materials, archaeological project design, landscape and ecological management plan, construction and environmental management plan, bat and bird box, plus landscaping. It also wants to discharge listed building conditions for a survey and method statement.
The hall has been passed through a line of wealthy families and aristocrats since 1304, but will now be developed into a school for pupils with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
The development will see the Grade II listed hotel along with its on site eatery, Harley' Smokehouse and a barn turned into facilities for children, aged five to 18.
In a design and access statement Polaris Community said: “The facility will provide services for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autism spectrum disorder and autism spectrum condition.”
“Once operational, the school will create 65 permanent jobs within the local community, utilise the local services for catering, cleaning, building and grounds maintenance and community facilities.
“The appearance, character and grounds offer a therapeutic environment akin to other Polaris Community Schools."
It added there was space suitable for smaller classroom sizes without the need for major reconfiguration of the premises.
Kinver Parish Council objected to the plan on conservation impact grounds.
However, the scheme also attracted support with Julie Collett posting on Facebook page Kinver Past and Present: Uncensored: "If this building opens as a SEN school that would be fabulous. There are very few about and needs are not being met I’m very sad to say.
"It would be a lovely calm building for such a setting. I am sure it would be welcomed by many parents whose village school unfortunately has failed these children. They need a place where they can flourish by properly trained teachers. Let’s hope SEND kids will enjoy an education that every child is entitled to."
Around 20 years ago the hall which has a colourful past, including the murder of a former owner Benjamin Robins in 1812, became a 11-room hotel and eaterie after it was bought by a Kinver family. It previously went on the market in 2023 for £1.6 million and was subsequently sold on for £2.25m in 2025.
Application details can be viewed online via sstaffs.gov.uk/planning. Comments and objections are due by February 4 and can be submitted online using the previous link or emailed to @sstaffs.gov.uk All representations will be made publicly available.
Details about planning applications, roadworks and notices can be viewed on the public notice portal
