A Welsh council has found itself in hot water after splashing out a staggering £1.7 million on plans for a special school that are now gathering dust. The ambitious project aimed to consolidate Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, currently spread over four sites, into one state-of-the-art facility next to Denbigh Leisure Centre, boosting student capacity from 116 to 220.
However, the plans have been halted following strong local opposition and a consultation. Denbighshire County Council now plans to explore other options, but as the numbers show, the initial proposal wasn’t a bargain. The breakdown? Over £930,000 on consultancy fees, more than £650,000 on design, and almost £150,000 on project admin, all resulting in a big, fat pause button pressed on the school’s proposed location at Ystrad Road.
Criticism has been swift and sharp. Councillor Chris Evans has accused the council of frivolous spending, citing other costly projects that seem to have hit hurdles, like the infamous £22 million bin system. Evans didn’t mince his words, highlighting how the money could have been used to support struggling families and services in Denbighshire.
While the local council assures its commitment to eventually delivering a £31 million project designed to cater to special needs students, the community remains sceptical. As talks of a feasibility study progress, the burning question is: where exactly will this much-needed school be built?
Stay tuned for updates as the council works through these challenges, aiming to provide the best facilities for its young learners.