Enfield Council will decide whether to buy an old school site to relieve the pressure on places for young people with autism this evening.

The plan is to use the site of the former Minchenden School, in High Street, Southgate, to provide extra special school places within the borough.

The need for additional special school places was first identified in a special cabinet report in July last year.

It is currently much more expensive to provide out-of-borough care for children with high support needs due to "considerable transport costs" providing taxis and escorts.

The council estimates that keeping the pupils within the borough could either save or generate an income of up to £1.7 million.

One hundred and twenty pupils will be based at the new site, which will free up places at other schools in Enfield that cater for young people with autism, including Durants School and Russet House School.

The site is currently owned by Barnet and Southgate College. It has six buildings, including Southgate Mansion House, which is Grade II* listed and dates from 1780.

Once bought, the site will be divided into two, with Mansion House in one half, and the rest of the buildings being used for the school.