By Carole Dennett
A major planning application has been submitted to transform the long‑vacant former Weston Primary School site, in Totland, into a mixed residential development providing affordable housing, custom‑build plots and the restoration of a historic school building, providing 16 homes in total.
Planning consultants DPP Planning have lodged a hybrid application with the Isle of Wight Council, seeking full permission for part of the scheme and outline consent for the remainder. The 0.46‑hectare (1.14 acre) brownfield site, empty since the school closed in 2015, sits within the Totland settlement boundary, and the Totland Bay Conservation Area.
Under the full application, the proposal includes the partial demolition of later school extensions, the conversion and extension of the original headteacher’s cottage into a three‑bedroom home, and the construction of four new affordable houses. The cottage is considered a heritage asset, so would be retained and sensitively adapted to preserve its architectural character.
The outline element of the application seeks permission for 11 custom‑build homes, comprising a mix of two‑bedroom semi- and detached houses, and three‑bedroom detached properties. A design code has been submitted to ensure future custom‑build designs remain in keeping with the conservation area. These plots could be available for DIY or self-build projects. There are currently 114 people registered with the IW Council interested in self-build.
The scheme proposes a central access road from Weston Road, with two rows of homes facing each other and interesting features to the rear of the homes to provide interest along the street frontage. Extensive landscaping, new planting, and ecological enhancements form part of the plans, including 27 replacement trees to offset the loss of 11 existing ones. Biodiversity net gain will be partly delivered on site, with additional habitat units purchased off‑site to meet the required 10 per cent uplift. There will be an £11,910 contribution to the Solent and Southampton Special Protection Area.
The planning statement highlights the site’s sustainable location, access to bus services, and proximity to local amenities.
According to the planning consultants, pre‑application discussions with the council and a public consultation in 2025 have shaped the final proposals, leading to changes in the original layout, landscaping and design.
Plans are available via iw.observer/planning-portal under reference 25/01846/FUL. Public comments are open until February 13.
Mal Butler