A £10 million development project for a Charedi special-needs school in Stamford Hill has been approved by the Hackney Council on Wednesday night, the Jewish Chronicle reports.

“Side By Side” is to develop a five-storey building comprising a new school and nursery on a Lordship Road site.

Local residents had objected to the plans, however, the nine members of Hackney’s planning sub-committee unanimously accepted the school’s proposal.

“Side By Side” – one of the three recipients of last year’s JC Charity Appeal – is unusual in that it teaches Orthodox children with learning difficulties alongside those without.

Pupils also benefit from individual learning plans and high teacher-student ratios.