There were “emotional” scenes at a council meeting where approval was given for a new school for children with special needs.

Kisharon, a support charity for children with learning difficulties, currently runs a college in Golders Green which the charity believes it has now “outgrown”.

Their application to Barnet Council’s Hendon area planning committee for a 72-place new site in Parson Street, Hendon, was approved by a majority of four to one on Thursday (February 9).

Plans had received the backing of local residents Hendon MP Matthew Offord, London assembly member Andrew Dismore and future neighbours of the new school Tydfil House.

The Finchley Road-located school will move to Montfort House, a grade two listed building which committee members hoped could benefit from a tidy-up to the front as the charity moves in.

The proposal would see some “unsightly” garages removed from the site and a large extension put in at the back, which would not be visible from the front of the building.

Head teacher Sora Kopfstein said she “wept with joy” at the approval, which was given after representations were made by parents and staff from Kisharon.

CEO Dr Bev Jacobson said: “I am absolutely ecstatic and now ask the community get behind Kisharon’s fantastic team to realise this once-in-a-generation scheme to develop premises fit for outstanding education which Kisharon School is already rightly recognised as offering.”