Demolition of former Shropshire school given green light

Shropshire Council has approved plans to demolish the old Childs Ercall Primary School, near Market Drayton, which shut in 2008.

After its closure, it was handed over by the former Shropshire County Council to Lichfield Diocese to determine its future.

Under the plans by the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education, two four-bedroom houses will be built following demolition of some of the existing school buildings.

Part of the older existing school building will be converted to provide additional residential accommodation to the existing School House which is retained.

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

Richard Denison, case officer for Shropshire Council, said: "The school has historically been extended.

"A pair of semi-detached properties and a detached dwelling is located along the southern boundary, whilst the school access driveway runs along the western boundary.

"A public footpath runs along this driveway and crosses the field to the north of the site."

A statement on behalf of Childs Ercall Parish Council said: "Having considered the application documents, the council wishes to support the application.

"It is considered that the erection of the two properties will tidy the site which is becoming vandalised and unkempt, bearing in mind that the site is in a central position in the village, adjacent to the church.

"The parish council also supports the intention to retain part of the old school building to be incorporated as ancillary accommodation to 'The School House'.

"The school is considered a major part of the village's history and the retention of a section of the structure is appreciated."

The decision to close the school by the former Shropshire County Council's cabinet left objectors dismayed.

The protestors claimed the decision was based on inaccurate and misleading data.

But the council maintained there was no viable alternative to keeping the school open as there were only 15 pupils on its roll at the time.

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.

After its closure the school became the home of a youth club for children in the area.