Fosse Bank School plans to build 76 houses on its land

An independent school is hoping to build 76 houses on its land to help it balance the books.

Fosse Bank School in Kent was described as being in a "precarious financial position" by its planning consultants.

The school also hopes to double its intake under the proposals submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

Headteacher Alison Cordingley said the plans would "provide excellent facilities for the children both here and in the wider community".

"Eco-classrooms" and a sports hall are included in the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Fosse Bank School, which is set in a Grade II listed building in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge, has been teaching since 1866.

It currently has about 120 primary-aged children. It is hoping to double that, to 240.

Ms Cordingley said: "The plans would enable us to move from one to two form entry, securing high-quality local independent education for children aged two to 11 years old and retain the forest school."

The proposals include a range of two, three and four bedroom properties, with 15 classed as affordable housing.

Also, a mostly-timber "eco-block" with green "living panels" would house classrooms, science labs and staff rooms.

Upgrades to the listed-country house and school swimming facilities have also been proposed, according to a planning statement from Woolf Bond Planning.

The consultants added: "Fosse Bank School has been operating in an increasingly precarious financial position over recent years.

"It has had to look closely at its current financial position and its future business plan to ensure its survival and that of the listed building which sits at the heart of the school."

It said the new homes would ensure "a number of mutually beneficial objectives can be delivered and help to address the housing land supply shortfall in the Tonbridge and Malling Borough".

Jen Crittenden, chair of the school's governors, added: "This marks an exciting next chapter in Fosse Bank's history."

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