AMBITIOUS plans to transform a vacant school in Fairford into a new housing development are underway. 

Coln House School - which catered for pupils aged nine to 16 with social, emotional and mental health problems - closed in 2016 after it was placed into special measures when an Ofsted report rated it "inadequate", and it has remained empty ever since.

However, housing developer Acorn Property Group purchased the Horcott Road site and gained permission from Cotswold District Council to demolish the school's modern outbuildings to make way for 15 new homes and two flats in July last year.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Coln House site plan Coln House site plan (Image: Acorn Property Group)

Permission was also granted to convert the existing Grade II Listed Coln House into seven residential units. 

Once completed, the new neighbourhood will be called Fairford Green. 

This ambitious development programme is set to commence straight away and will be split into five phases.
 
The first phase will focus of the newbuild part of the project, and will see Acorn build 15 new two to four-bed houses and two one-bed apartments. 

Each new home will encompass a range of green energy features such as air source heat pumps, efficient insulation and high-performance window systems to minimise heat loss, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

They will also be fitted out with energy-saving appliances and low-energy lighting.

The second phase will see the 12,000 square ft listed building converted into a terrace of four to six-bed houses where all the original features, such as the staircases, hallways and fireplaces, will be preserved.

A separate new four-bed house will also be constructed during this phase.

James Groombridge, regional managing director for Acorn Cardiff, said: “The redevelopment the former Coln House School site is an ambitious and exciting project and we are delighted to be able to bring these wonderful buildings back to life.
 
“We will look to preserve as much of the old, whilst introducing a contemporary feel fit for modern living. 

"Our plan is to build new homes that are low maintenance and energy efficient, with green initiatives that should enable homeowners to reduce their energy costs.”