A total of 13 new homes could be created if planning approval is granted for the conversion of the former Alston Primary School.
The application submitted by Amar Chabra, of Birchtree Developments Ltd, seeks permission for the creation of six new residential apartments, demolition of the existing hall and creation of two semi-detached houses, and five new detached houses with associated parking area and gardens.
In 2021, the former school was auctioned and sold after the Oaklea Trust confirmed that their plans for redeveloping the former school into a community hub – to incorporate things like hall hire, a youth club base, community café, shared facilities and public and private rental space, were not viable.
The site, which is accessed from Garrigill Road on the south side of Alston, lies largely within a residential area.
A spokesman said: “The proposal includes the retention of the former school building, with new houses to each side, whilst retaining as much green space as possible.
The proposed orientation works with the existing facilities on the site, and the existing car park. The former tennis courts are to be upgraded to provide vehicular access and new parking facilities.
“In order to respect the height of the former school building, the new neighbouring houses have been designed such that their ridge heights remain subservient to the main building. The new house design
have been kept to minimal floor areas, in order to ensure that the site contains a high percentage of green space to complement its surroundings.
“Much of the existing tarmac playing areas to the rear of the former school building will be removed, providing new grass gardens for the residents and improving visual amenity.
“The existing green space to the front of the former school building is to be retained, along with the perimeter trees and boundary walls.
“A property management company will be set up to landscape and maintain the main green spaces and common areas. Residents will maintain their own front and rear gardens.
“The former school building is to be retained, and several of the newer (lower quality) additions/extensions are to be removed. The former school building is to be altered and extended, using materials to match the existing building. The proposed new houses are to include a palette of materials that are similar in
aesthetics, colour and texture to those existing in the elevations of the former school building.
The spokesman added: “The aim of the proposal is to reuse the former school building in order to conserve a heritage asset, and to enhance the area by providing new housing of a high quality that works with the natural setting and beauty of the land.”
