A FORMER school site in the heart of a Dorset village is set to be converted into homes.

Developer Landmark Estates says it is delighted that West Dorset District Council has approved the proposed scheme at the former Puddletown First School.

It says the plans had been developed following in depth discussions with the local authority and a number of statutory consultees and were approved by delegated powers by the council at the first time of asking.

The approved scheme will see the grade two listed building converted to form four houses and a new build house attached onto the eastern flank of the main building, which Landmark Estates says will be constructed using carefully matched and approved materials.

The developer also claims careful consideration has been given the landscaping of all of the grounds, particularly the front of the site.

James Bradley, managing director of the Landmark Group, said: “The former school house is such a beautiful example of Gothic architecture that we have always had in mind to ensure that any proposals not only maintained the pleasing aesthetics of the site but enhanced them.

“I firmly believe that with the valued assistance of our professional team that we have been able to achieve this. All of the team at landmark are especially excited to be moving this project to the construction phase and we feel confident that the residents of Puddletown will be delighted with how this important site will look and fit within the general character of what is an idyllic village.”

The finished homes will be a mixture of two and three bedroom houses and they are expected to go on the market towards the end of the year.

Mr Bradley said: “Having completed a number of schemes involving grade two listed buildings over the past few years, we look forward to applying our exciting project.”

Parish councillor Ann Soderberg, who helped developed the local neighbourhood plan, said: “I think the only thing we are sad about is that as a village we couldn’t afford to buy the school and turn it into something that would have a community service.

“There is nothing wrong the proposal itself, it’s a scheme that’s quite sympathetic.”