Plans to turn a park-side house in Leamington Spa into classrooms for teenagers with autism look set to be given the green light.

Leamington LAMP has applied for permission to change Victoria Lodge on Princes Drive from a residential home into an educational facility.

The application for the site next to Victoria Park is set to go before councillors next week, with a report recommending the scheme be given the green light.

The application from the not-for-profit organisation said the site would be used for students aged 16 to 19, with the possible provision for pupils as young as 14.

The site - which would also have a new garden classroom created - would provide space for up to 16 students per day.

Leamington LAMP's existing location is within walking distance, on Adelaide Road.

"The site is located close to Leamington town centre and therefore well situated to benefit from the high level of services and facilities available within the town centre, all of which are within a desirable walking distance from the proposed development," the application to Warwick District Council said.

It continued: "The proposal is to change the residential use of the Lodge and convert it to a specialist education premises for the LAMP association to support young people with autism. 

"A ramped disabled access is proposed to the rear entrance, which will now be the main access. 

"The existing door is proposed to be widened for wheelchair access.

"The second door and windows to the single storey extension are proposed to be blocked up with red brick matching the existing."

Other internal changes are proposed for the site to create the classrooms.

The application has received a huge amount of support from locals.

It will go before the council's planning committee on Tuesday 15 April, because the site is owned by Warwick District Council.

Recommended planning permission be granted, a council report said: "In the opinion of the local planning authority, the proposal is considered acceptable in principle. 

"Furthermore, as amended the works would have an acceptable impact on the setting of the conservation area, registered park and garden and the street scene. 

"The development would not have a harmful impact on ecological species and the development provides adequate parking arrangements. 

"The proposed development is therefore recommended for approval."

See the full council report here.