Plans for homes at forgotten Cannock school

Plans to transform a derelict Cannock school into flats and houses are set to go before planners next month.

Cannock-based Matco Holdings has applied for permission to convert the former Chadsmoor Infants School.

The building in Cannock Road started life in 1877 as Chadsmoor Board School for Girls but has been empty for more than 20 years.

It closed when the school moved to new premises in Kingsway and has been framed by scaffolding for several years, leading residents to brand it an eyesore.

Under new plans lodged with Cannock Chase Council, the school house, on the corner of Cecil Street, would be converted into six two-bedroom mews-style homes.

An extension would also be built to provide four flats. The overall development will cost £300,000.

Ward councillor George Adamson welcomed the proposals. He said: "It is good news for Chadsmoor, because the building has become an eyesore and has been left derelict for a long time.

"The plans will see some of the original structure, including the wings of the building, brought back to what they were."

Matco managing director Warren Matthews said the new flats and houses would create "top quality homes" which would be added to Matco's portfolio of rented stock.

Matco has already built a dozen new houses at the back of the site.

Mr Matthews said that the redevelopment of the school building had been held up while planning issues were resolved with the council.

The number of mews homes had now been reduced from seven to six and the scheme would maintain the character of the Victorian building.