PLANS to convert a Victorian era former primary school to a home have been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire County Council.
David Hanney had sought a change of use of the former Cleddau Reach VC Primary School, The Gail, Llangwm, which closed back in 2013.
The school closed after the construction of a new £6m school in the area.
A supporting statement said: “The school building has been empty for around 10 years and was showing signs of neglect and decay prior to the client’s purchase. The footprint and internal envelope of the building is large and they wished to create a home for themselves and to also create space for their extended family within the annex, making best use of the space available without the need for any extensions.
“The external envelope has no significant changes proposed to the front elevation, which sits within the conservation area, with the existing UPVC windows added some 20 years ago during its time as a school. The building has no other designations.”
It adds: “The front courtyard and the yard to the rear has a tarmac surface throughout, with the client wishing to add a small green space as well as planters to improve biodiversity. There is ample parking and this was one of the attractions to the property for the client, as they have a large campervan, as well as the family’s cars.”
Concerns had been made about an original scheme for the conversion in the village’s conservation area by the council historic building conservation officer, but amended plans are considered acceptable, an officer report said.
It added: “The site is located in a mainly residential area. The use of a primary school ceased a number of years ago, with the building remaining vacant for a number of years. There is limited scope for the former use to be reinstated, with a replacement primary school provided within the settlement, approximately 170m to the north-west of the site.”
It went on to say: “The amended scheme proposes minimal alterations to the external appearance of the building, with the addition of fenestration and amendments of existing door and window openings and external flues.
“The amended proposal would maintain the character of the former school and the wider conservation area.”
The application was conditionally approved.
