Plan for 100 homes on school site

Published 4 Dec 2008 08:00 1 Comment

A READING independent school wants to rebuild and put more than 100 homes and a sports club on its site.

The Elvian School - formerly Presentation College - in Southcote abandoned a bid in 2006 for a sports centre and 90 homes, including housing for the elderly.

But on Tuesday spokesman Ian Thorn said: "The new school would remain as a fee-paying, co-educational day school - the only such school in the area which is non-selective.

"The proposals would see the school updated to provide a first class private school with up-to-date modern facilities; a racquets club with a David Lloyd Leisure Centre and approximately 110 homes."

The plans go on display on Saturday [6] but until then Mr Thorn is refusing to confirm further details, including whether the plans involve demolishing the two mansions at the Bath Road side of the site and selling off its extensive playing fields.

Mr Thorn added: "People attending the exhibition will be able to view initial proposals for the scheme and leave their feedback. This will be used to inform our plans ahead of submitting a planning application to Reading Borough Council."

Richard Bennett, of Reading Civic Society, is urging the preservation of the historic mansions, Oakland Hall and Rotherfield Grange. They are not considered worthy of listing by English Heritage, but he said: "There is a successful precedent for this at Highdown School in Caversham.

"Its Georgian mansion and outbuildings are at its hub and exemplify how a modern secondary school can utilise and take pride in an older building."

Oakland Hall, built in the 19th century, was once the home of the Sutton Seeds family and was owned by the Presentation Brothers religious teaching order from the 1930s until 2004.

The Licensed Trade Charity took over the school in 2004 for pupils aged three to 18 and its website says: "The school is currently small with 150 pupils with the intention to grow over the next few years to 400 pupils."

Members of the public can view the plans at the school in Bath Road from 10am-4pm on Saturday [6].

Did you go to Presentation College? Do you live nearby? Have your say about the plans at www.readingchronicle.co.uk or write to the editor.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Dec 08

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