More than 250 parents, teachers, SEND professionals and residents have already voiced their support for emerging plans to build a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) school and up to 250 homes at Pound Farm in Ickleford.

The proposals, brought forward by Omnia Foundation in partnership with Bugler Homes, would see a 30-place Independent Special School for young people aged 12–17 created as part of a wider landscape-led development. The school would specialise in supporting children with Autism and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

To fund the school, the developers are proposing up to 250 new homes — half of them affordable — alongside new green space, a 3G sports pitch, biodiversity enhancements and improvements to local walking and cycling routes.

Responding to rising local demand

The plans come amid mounting pressure on Hertfordshire's SEND system. More than 6,400 children in the county now have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with many families struggling to access suitable support or forced into out-of-county placements.

Housing need is also a major issue locally, with around 2,400 households on North Herts Council's waiting list and the district currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

'Overwhelming support'

Omnia Foundation, which operates an Ofqual-approved SEN school in Rayleigh, Essex, says it identified Ickleford due to the scale of unmet need.

Founder David Kreyling said: "We were directed towards Hertfordshire because of the scale of the SEND crisis. We identified Pound Farm as an ideal site — a quiet, rural setting where we can build a therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of children with SEN.

"We've been overwhelmed by the support we've received from local families and professionals. People recognise the scale of the need and they want a better future for children with complex needs."

Kreyling added that the development partnership with Bugler Homes would mean the school is delivered at no cost to the local authority, combining therapy-first provision with physical activity and vocational learning.

More details on the campaign are available at www.northhertssend.co.uk

Homes, green space and new routes

Bugler Homes has outlined a masterplan that includes:

• 50% affordable housing (affordable rent and shared ownership)
• Two-storey family homes with gardens
• A 3G sports pitch open for community use
• Around 40% green space, including meadows, parks, play areas and new habitats
• At least 10% biodiversity net gain
• Integration of the historic Icknield Way Path
• New walking, cycling and equestrian links, plus bus service improvements on Bedford Road

James Chell, Director at Bugler Homes, said: "We see this as an opportunity to deliver real benefits for Ickleford and the wider North Hertfordshire area. Transforming this private field into a new neighbourhood with a SEND school, affordable and private homes, sports provision and public green space is the kind of community-focused development North Hertfordshire needs."

Have your say

A pre-application public consultation is now live, with leaflets going out to residents across Ickleford and a dedicated website hosting all proposals.

The developers expect to submit a hybrid planning application later this year, including detailed designs for the SEN school and the first 100 homes. Design workshops will also form part of the consultation process.

"We know how important it is to get this right," added Kreyling. "We want to hear the views of local people to help us shape the final plans."

Residents can view proposals and take part in the consultation at www.icknieldfields.uk