Homes bid revealed for old Childs Ercall Primary School site

A village school which closed due to falling pupil numbers could be demolished and turned into homes under plans revealed today.

Applicants have submitted plans to Shropshire Council to demolish the former Childs Ercall Primary School, near Market Drayton, which closed in 2008. Under the plans by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education, two four-bedroom houses and a community room would be built.

The site is located in the centre of the village and is occupied by the former school buildings and playground.

A report on behalf of the applicant says: "The site is occupied by the former Childs Ercall Primary School buildings which comprises the main school building with adjacent demountable classroom, toilet block and store building enclosed by a hard surfaced play area.

"Adjoining the main school building is the school house which is not part of the proposed development.

"The aim of the scheme is to redevelop an unused site and to create an attractive place in keeping with the surrounding dwellings for people to live and enjoy themselves in an environment that is attractive and safe."

The report adds: "The objective is to redevelop the site to provide housing in the locality. Part of the school building will be retained and will continue to be used for community/church meetings."

Councillor John Luscombe, vice chairman of Childs Ercall Parish Council, cautiously welcomed the scheme.

He said it sounded 'favourable' as long as it retained a facility for community use. But he said he would need to see the plans in detail before commenting further.

The decision to close the primary school by members of the former Shropshire County Council's cabinet left objectors dismayed. They claimed the decision was based on inaccurate and misleading data.

But the council maintained there was no viable alternative to keeping the school open with only 15 pupils on roll.

At the time education officials reported the net saving from closure would be £80,896 a year and the school provided poor value for money.