Plans to demolish a landmark school in Seaford have been overthrown thanks to a group of residents in Firle Road.
Bowden House School in Firle Road is felt to have significant architectural value and is part of an Area of Established Character on the edge of the local conservation area. However Tower Hamlets Council, who own the school, submitted plans to demolish the existing school building and replace it with two new buildings for teaching and residential use.
The 150-strong Firle Road Residents Group enlisted the help of planning solicitor Linda Saunders, who heads up the Planning team at the law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter. She said: “We’re all delighted with the news that the application to demolish the school has been rejected. It is a landmark building and much loved by everyone. While the residents were sympathetic to the needs of the school, they were naturally very concerned that the established character of their community would have been destroyed along with the building.
“However, there is scope for the building to be refurbished and a separate teaching block to be built. Hopefully this means the school’s requirements will be met without having such a great impact on the surrounding area and the environment.”
Bowden House is an example of late Victorian ‘Arts and Crafts’ architectural style. Today it provides specialist residential education to boys aged between 10 and 16.
For further information please contact Julie Causton at Cobb PR on 01323 416999 or Linda Saunders at lsaunders@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or 01273 407410.
