Converting a closed village school will put the building to good use and save it from further deterioration, according to a local man who wishes to develop it.

Camerton Church School, which is owned by the Diocese of Bath and Wells, has been vacant since it closed last year. Funding was allocated on a per-pupil basis and small class sizes meant it was no longer viable. A total of eight pupils were moved to other schools in the area.

Nick Biggs, who owns Camerton Court next door, has applied to convert the former school into seven homes. He acknowledged that Bath & North East Somerset Council tries to retain community spaces, but said Camerton benefits from a large village hall and the school was no longer necessary.

Mr Biggs said in his application: “The building has been empty for some considerable time, and this proposal will put the building to good use and save it from further deterioration.”

The plans say the fifteen parking spaces will be retained and there will be a communal garden.

B&NES Council will decide the fate of the application.

Stephen Sumner, LDR