A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to convert the former Periton Mead school into 31 homes is being recommended for approval by West Somerset Council planning officers.

Minehead Town Council and Minehead Conservation Society are among 21 objectors to the plan.

The Grade Two-listed 57-room former manor house, standing in six acres of land in Minehead, was formerly a boarding school for children with special needs, but has become largely derelict.

At its meeting next Thursday, (November 2), West Somerset Council’s planning committee will be recommended to grant an application from Dorset-based developers LLK Property Ltd to convert the main house into 14 flats and build 17 homes in the grounds.

The development would be a mixture of “arts-and-crafts style” homes and eco-style flat-roof dwellings.

Planning officer Sue Keal has recommended approval, although she will tell the committee that the site will be costly to develop and that “heritage harm” could be “at the low end of substantial” in connection with the conversion of the main house.

Minehead Town Council has objected to the scheme on the grounds of over-development, the danger of flooding and destroying the character of a prominent listed building.

Minehead Conservation Society has also strongly objected to the development, claiming that it is ill thought-out, inappropriate and fails to protect the original features of the house and gardens.

A statement from the society added: “This is a golden opportunity for Periton Mead to be brought back to its former glory.”

Other objections to the development include higher traffic volumes, lack of facilities and bus services, too many homes on the site and highway safety.

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The planning committee hearing is at 4.30pm on November 2 in the Williton Council Chamber.