Old village school in Loxwood could be demolished

The planning application would potentially see the building on Vicarage Hill, which was last used as a school in 1968, demolished to make way for three new houses. The former school is currently classed as one dwelling.

But the three two-storey buildings set to replace it would comprise wo five-bedroom houses and one four-bedroom house.

The plans, however, have been met with two objections at the time of writing.

Loxwood resident Glyn Woodage argued the building should remain and could be converted, writing: “The existing former school house dating from 1878 has played a significant part in the history of the village. Although it has languished in an unused state for around 50 years the original building still has a great deal of charm with its many skilled and detailed features including well scaled Dorma windows, chimneys and intricate attractive brick work.

"The former school would make a very desirable home after conversion. The 1950s extensions to the rear could be replaced, remodelled or easily incorporated into a new extension.”

He added: “I believe this former school building is worth saving, conserving and improving, thus continuing to contribute to both the villages history and its modern-day needs. Loxwood has already lost a number of landmark buildings to make way for new homes and at this rate the remaining village fabric will be totally lost.”

Another resident, Daniel Kuszel, said: “This is an absolutely ridiculous planning application. Starting with the fact that the school house will be celebrating its 150 year anniversary next year and someone just wants to tear it down!

"There is a current application for a new SEN school in Alfold and the owners propose to restore it to its former Victorian glory. They have got it right not this developer!

“Three quickly put up, three-storey detached buildings opposite the church and in a prominent position in the landscape is ridiculous. Please refuse this application.”

To view the full planning application online visit Chichester District Council’s planning portal using the reference: 22/02372/FUL