A "landmark" planning appeal has been won against Bromley Council.

Approval has been granted to redevelop the former All Saints Roman Catholic School in Layhams Road, West Wickham into homes.

Regalpoint homes want to develop the site into 50 homes, convert the reception building into an office and provide community facilities such as two tennis courts and car parking for St John the Baptist church.

The proposals also include the restoration of a stable block into two homes, and Regalpoint homes say they plan to protect “the integrity of this historic building".

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The site is being sold by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Southwark who plan to use the proceeds, expected to be between £4 million and £6 million, for investment within their portfolio of schools within the borough.

The school closed in 2007 due to falling pupil numbers and the site has been empty ever since.

Bromley Council opposed the application, hoping that the school could be re-used despite two failed attempts.

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Michael Baldwin, The Education Officer for The Roman Catholic Diocese of Southwark said: “The low population density in the catchment area and high public transport costs makes it totally unsuitable for a school.

"Furthermore, being on the boundary of the Borough of Croydon, this has pulled many potential pupils over the border to other more successful Roman Catholic schools.”

Tony Porter, Managing Director of Regalpoint Homes, said: “We are delighted at the outcome of this appeal which will create a real boost both in the need for quality housing and also for education.

"Millions of pounds will now go towards schooling in the Borough, created through the sale of this site.”

A council spokesman said: “We are naturally disappointed by the news that the Inspector has granted permission for a housing scheme on this former school site which of course is Greenbelt land. 

"There remains a shortage of secondary school places in particular and although this may not have been an ideal location for a school, ideal locations are in extremely short supply and this site had been a school site for many years, which of course is now out of the equation.”