A new alternative education provider could be heading for a Cornish town.  

Poles Apart AP (Alternative Provision) is seeking to create a new mini-school in Bodmin, to cater for up to 15 students of a primary or secondary school age who have become disengaged and are experiencing mainstream or special education as challenging and detrimental to their health and well-being.  

The organisation has submitted a planning application to Cornwall Council for the change of use of a former bank building which in recent years has been used as office accommodation.  

The application, concerning the former TSB building at 9 Mount Folly, would see the permitted use of the building change from an office to an educational facility.  

In documents submitted as part of the change of use application, Poles Apart says that the building would have up to six staff members who would provide tuition to the students.  

The applicants told the council: “In facilitating the educational use, the existing two-storey building would be utilised with the current layout maintained and the existing spaces simply fitted out to create classrooms. All other rooms, including toilets and storage would remain in their current arrangement.  

“The site’s operational hours would be from 8am until 4pm, with classes held between 9.30am and 2.30pm. There would be a maximum of six members of staff at the site at any time, catering for no more than 15 pupils.  

“No external amenity area is required as the classes run the entire period and are intended to be conducted within the building, although some rear external space is available for use.  

“The applicant intends to provide a much-needed intervention service within the town and wider district. At present, Poles Apart AP is solely based in Plymouth and Exeter, making it difficult for young people to access who are further located within Cornwall. The change of use would create an additional and more local base for those in need of the service.”