More details are emerging on Fairford Green – a bold plan to convert a former residential special school into housing. 

London-based developer Acorn Property Group is currently seeking detailed signoff though its Cotswolds and Cardiff operation for renovation aspects on the project on Horcott Road, in Fairford, from Cotswold District Council.

Coln House School in Fairford was closed down by Shire Hall in 2017 after the facility for nine to 16-year old students with social, emotional and mental health problems was judged to be inadequate for special needs provision in terms of delivered services and location.

An Ofsed report at the time highlighted concerns over a high number of physical restraints being used on pupils and a failure of the local authority-run school's management and governors to keep them safe. In interim years, the site has been the subject of repeated vandalism and trespassing.

However, Acorn stepped in to purchased the Horcott Road site in Fairford last year and gained permission in July from Cotswold planners to demolish existing modern outbuildings in order to make way for 15 new homes and two flats, while a nod was also given to convert the main Grade II-Listed Coln House into seven more residential units.

In total, 34 homes are planned and the entirety of the new address will be known as Fairford Green, with the work, now under way, divided into five phases. Pricing will range from £295,000 up to £715,000 in early marketing for the project.

● Phase one focuses on the newbuild element of the Meadows, which sees 15 new two to four-bedroom homes and two one-bed apartments , while key sustainability features include air source heat pumps, high insulation values and high-performance windows as well as EV charging points and solar panels for all units.

● Phase two addresses the 12,000 sq ft main school buildings and entails conversion into a terrace of four to six-bed houses where original features such as staircases, hallways and fireplaces will be preserved. A separate new four-bed home will also be created.

● The third phase will convert Applestone Court, a 9,000 sq ft historical Bathstone building with an enclosed courtyard and large garden. This will become five two four and five-bed units.

● Stage four addresses former staff cottages which will be turned into four three-bed units, as well as two new additional cottages subject to final agreement.

● The final phase will see the old Swimming Pool Pavilion, in the grounds of Applestone Court, turned into a contemporary four-bed villa.

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."

Acorn's plan, he added, was to "build new homes that are low maintenance and energy efficient, with green initiatives that should enable homeowners to reduce their energy costs".

The latest stage of approval for detailing on the work to the original school was signed off by planners last week.

Fairford is also meanwhile contemplating a potential bigger plan to build 83 homes on the edge of the town. 

Cala Homes submitted a reserved matters application for a new estate on a 19-acre site on Hatherop Road which, if approved, will see a range of two- to five-bedroom homes, including 33 affordable homes. Outline planning permission was granted for the site previously.