Plans for 19th century former schoolhouse to become 60 apartments
Plans have been submitted to convert a former schoolhouse into three blocks which will provide 60 apartments in total. The old Spitalgate School in on Station Road East in Grantham[1] opened as a school in the 19th century, but has most recently been used for commercial purposes including an indoor market and antiques centre.
It previously contained the former school buildings and a modern workshop and office building. The applicant, Invicta Developments, argued that the buildings have housed many failed businesses and raised the question as to whether they are commercially suitable.
The site is in an ideal location being less than 350m from the town centre, 300m from the bus station, 100m from the train station and 200m from a supermarket. Explaining the site plan in more detail, the application reads: “This proposal seeks consent for the conversion of the remaining school building into 6 apartments, arranged over 2 floors.
Poll – What’s the worst junction in Lincolnshire?[2]
“Behind this, to the west, the school and workshop buildings that have been removed will be replaced, on a similar footprint, with 54 new apartments, arranged over 3 floors, within 3 blocks. The land ‘contained’ by the apartments will form a communal garden area, and off-street car parking will be provided to the south western corner of the site, at a reduced ratio due to the highly sustainable location of the site.”
The car park will provide 17 spaces in total. In conclusion, the application states: “The proposal represents a residential redevelopment of a site that is bordered by existing dwellings on two sides, a church to the east, and open areas of car parking to the south.
“In this respect the proposed development will represent an acceptable use of the site in planning terms and one which, through careful design, will be sympathetic to the neighbouring properties and complimentary to the area in general.”
References
- ^ Grantham (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Poll – What’s the worst junction in Lincolnshire? (xd.wayin.com)