Care home set for old school site

Plans for a care home on the site of a former private school look set to get the go-ahead.

Proposals to create a 60-bedroom care unit at the former St Margaret’s School in Newington were first lodged by Four Seasons Health Care and S1 Developments.

The plans come after the school had to close its doors for the last time in June after 120 years, being unable to pay £2.5 million worth of creditors.

Planning officials have recommended that the proposal is given the go-ahead, although councillors delayed a final decision at the end of last month in order to carry out a site visit.

They are now due to meet on Wednesday to decide whether to grant planning consent.

In a report for councillors, head of planning John Bury said: “The proposal is acceptable in this location and is an appropriate scale, form and design. It preserves the character of the conservation area and preserves the setting of the listed building.”

Administrator KPMG, which is overseeing the sale of the St Margaret’s assets, put the school buildings on the market last August and plans to use the proceeds to meet unpaid debts.