The remaining derelict buildings from an ‘unfit for purpose’ Radstock Infants’ School are set to be demolished to make way for nine large houses.

Under Mr B. Wykes-Dart’s plans, the four- and five-bedroom homes will each have large landscaped front gardens, a garage and two parking spaces, with two others for guests.

B&NES Council owns the Bath Old Road site – which has been vacant for more than fifteen years – and approved the scheme earlier this month. However, it is yet to consider a separate bid by Hawkfield Homes to build 15 homes on the site.

Mr B. Wykes-Dart said in his application: “The redevelopment of the site will provide an overall enhancement to the street scene and the conservation area.

“In addition, it will make efficient use of a brownfield site and result in a net gain of nine houses and contribute towards the Authority’s and the Government’s overall housing target.”

Radstock Town Council supported the scheme but eleven residents objected, citing safety concerns and the impact on congestion.

Approving the application, B&NES Council said it would result in minor ecological harm, but deliver nine homes on a site allocated for housing.

Plans for fourteen homes on the site were refused in 2007 amid concerns about overlooking and that the 28 parking spaces proposed would dominate the area.

Some 39 residents have opposed Hawkfield Homes’ plans.

S. Sumner, LDRS