Northumberland forest school applies to use village green temporarily

Riding Mill Outdoor Preschool (RMOP) has submitted plans to Northumberland County Council (NCC) for a change of use of a green space known locally as 'the Spinney', on Church Lane, which it has said it "expects" to use for the duration of "one academic year", starting from September 2026.

Since September 2024, when RMOP, currently based on land owned by Broomhaugh C of E First School, was informed by the latter that it would have to vacate its current premises by July 2026, the preschool has hunted for a new permanent home.

In November, the forest school said that the village parish council had agreed to let it use a section of woodland, now understood to be the Spinney, in the lead-up to a permanent move to Wentworth Grange care home in Riding Mill.

Delays in the planning process mean the permanent move is now expected in September 2027.

In the planning application submitted by Carole Smith, chair of RMOP, the school say that after investigating several possible sites in the village that would be fit for purpose as a temporary home, it identified the Spinney as the "best" location.

The preschool says the space provides a woodland environment, which is "ideal" for forest school activities.

"There will be no need for permanent structures to be added. Tarpaulins can be used for cover, and a lockable storage box may be utilised," RMOP said.

"Temporary fencing will be required along the eastern boundary to meet the safeguarding requirements of OFSTED, who will be notified once this contingency arrangement is confirmed."

"The maximum number of children in any session is 15, supervised by a minimum of 3 staff."

RMOP added that children will continue to use other parts of the village, and when indoor space is required, the nearby Millennium Hall and Church Cottage will be available for toilet and kitchen facilities.

The forest school added: "The temporary scheme has the backing of the parish Council, a considerable number of residents and our local councillor, Nick Oliver, all of whom are loath to see the preschool unable to continue.

"The preschool operates during termtime only, so at other times the Spinney will remain available as a local green space."

RMOP say that the space will be returned to its original state when the school moves to a new permanent location.

The application on NCC's planning portal, reference 26/00265/FUL, remains open for consultation until February 16.