PLANS to transform a former Exeter school into dozens of new homes have been recommended for approval.
Developers have applied to convert the former St Margaret's school in Magdalen Road, St Leonards, into 41 residential units.
The plan includes demolition, conversion and new buildings at the site of the former school.
More recent extensions would be demolished to create three new residential units each containing two bedrooms.
In a report drawn up for the city council's planning committee, which will be discussed next week, officers said 20 letters of objection had been received.
Reasons ranged from density of residential units being excessive to inadequate parking.
Approval is recommended with a long list of conditions, including a financial contribution of £6,000 towards the cost of removing road markings and infrastructure within the vicinity of the site and £1m towards affordable housing offsite.
The report highlights exactly how the 41 residential units would be created. Baring Lodge, at 145 Magdalen Road, a grade II listed building, is currently attached to the former music block building by a two storey extension. This extension would be removed to create a separation between the two buildings and provide access to a new rear car park in an area previously used as a tennis court.
An additional single-storey extension is also to be removed on the eastern side of the building adjacent to Wynlaton House. It is proposed to convert the remaining, largely original building into five units – four two bedroom homes and a one bed.
The former music block is an unlisted building located to the north western side of the site, to the rear of 8 Baring Crescent and alongside the long rear gardens of properties in Heavitree Road.
It is proposed to create three townhouses – two three bedroom and one four bedroom, within the existing building.
Wynlaton House, 147 Magdalen Road, a grade II listed building located centrally within the site, has a significant area of lawn and a listed boundary wall to the front which would be retained.
The application proposes the removal of a significant section of existing buildings to the rear and side of Wynlaton House. These buildings would in part be reinstated with a new single-storey extension to the rear of Wynlaton House for a new detached two-storey building. It would comprise seven new units – two one-bedroom and five two-bedroom homes.
Baring House, at 149 and 151 Magdalen Road, and neighbouring Morford House, which are both listed, would require the demolition of small added extensions, to create a total of 10 new two bedroom homes.
Two new detached buildings are proposed, including a four-storey building fronting Heavitree Road, requiring the removal of three existing holm oaks and the lowering of an existing brick wall. The building would create eight new units – seven two-bedroom and a one-bedroom home.
The second new two-storey building located to the rear of 156 Heavitree Road, with create two one-bedroom homes.
The whole scheme is proposed to be served by a total of 55 car parking spaces.
The report to councillors states: "The former St Margaret's school site represents a significant collection of listed buildings, within a conservation area setting which combined represent an important heritage asset.
"The existing buildings are either Grade II or II* and identified in the St Leonard's Conservation Areas appraisal and Management Plan as making a positive contribution to the character of the area. Consequently the need to establish an appropriate use which ensures these buildings future maintenance and viability is of fundamental importance.
"It is considered that the principle for residential use is acceptable, subject to detailed assessment regarding the demolition, internal/external changes proposed and the impact of the new buildings/parking areas on the building's setting and on the character and appearance of the conservation area."
