Charity to get new building after long 'struggle'

Planning permission has been granted by a Surrey council to build a new facility for a charity which provides animal-assisted learning for children and young people with special educational needs.

Change of Scene had faced an uncertain future after losing its home near Farnham where it had been operating for 17 years.

A building with a cabin, kitchen, sensory room and craft space will be constructed at its new Frensham home, which fellow charity Wishanger Wellness has offered on a 25-year lease.

Chief executive of Change of Scene, Pam Robinson, says the approval means everything after years of "living with the threat of closure".

She said: "It means we can continue, and that parents and children know we can keep going after years of uncertainty and living with the threat of closure."

According to Waverley Borough Council planning documents the new building will allow Change of Scene to support seven children at one time.

Ms Robinson says the charity currently works with 34 children overall, supporting three or four at a time.

This new facility will allow Change of Scene to reduce its "long waiting list" and help more children and young people, she said.

With a need to leave its current site in June, Ms Robinson says it will be "all systems go" with the construction.

She said some of the children have already visited the new site ahead of the move.

"They loved it," she said.

The chief executive admits she is struggling to "get her head around" the fact that planning permission has been granted.

"It's been a struggle for so long," she added.

Recommending the scheme for approval, the case officer stated that the application would provide a "notable and important contribution to education and health provision in the borough".

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.