Former Totland School Site Could Deliver 16 ‘High-Quality’ New Homes

A former Isle of Wight school site could be redeveloped to provide 16 ‘high-quality’ new homes.

SGL Weston and County Hall have lodged hybrid plans to replace the former Weston Community Primary School on Weston Road in Totland with a new housing project.

The proposals for the brownfield site, which has been vacant since 2015, comprise both an outline application and one for full planning permission, according to a Planning Statement from DPP Planning.

Included in the full planning application is a partial demolition of the existing school buildings, conversion and extension of the original headteacher’s cottage to a three-bedroom house and four two-bedroom affordable homes.

The outline plans are for the development of 11 custom built homes, including two two-bedroom semi-detached houses, five two-bedroom detached homes and four detached dwellings with three bedrooms.

Custom build homes are defined as housing whose initial occupants have a primary input into final design and layout, according to the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.

A wide range of social, environmental and heritage-led benefits would be delivered by the proposed development, a submitted Design and Access Statement from Strategic Green Land (SGL) said.

Advantages listed include the efficient use of underused brownfield space, preserving and sensitively converting the former school building, contributing to the local housing supply and landscape and biodiversity improvements.

“The scheme has been shaped by a detailed understanding of the Totland Conservation Area, with particular care given to the retention and reuse of the historic school building and the delivery of new homes that respect local character,” SGL said.

“The proposal aligns with national and local planning policy, promotes environmental sustainability, and enhances both the visual and functional quality of the site.

“The development will contribute to the vitality of the village, make efficient use of land, and deliver lasting community and conservation benefits.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/01846/FUL concludes on February 13 and a decision is expected on April 16.