DEVELOPERS are considering the views of local people after unveiling their initial plans for the future of the former St Christopher’s School site.
Square Bay, the new owners of the five acre site next to the Downs, say they are working with community groups SCAN and Westbury Park Community Association as well as people living nearby to consider all concerns raised.
The intention of Square Bay, working with Acorn Property Group, is to convert the Grade II listed Grace House and five villas into housing and build 40 three-storey houses, as well as opening up public access to the green space.
A previous application to build a care home with 116 apartments in buildings up to six storeys was refused in 2023.
Both SCAN – St Christopher’s Action Network – and WPCA have created ‘planning briefs’ calling for low density, low impact development.
Following the first consultation session in May, attended by more than 100 people, the two organisations have raised issues over parking, the height of the new houses, and security, and they are cautiously optimistic that the developers are listening to them.
Square Bay says it will hold a second session in the summer to show how it has acted on feedback to create its detailed proposals.
A spokesperson said: “This is a very special – but also challenging – site which will require a very sensitive and careful redevelopment. We are seeking to work collaboratively with the community, including using the community’s planning ‘briefs’ as the starting point for our design.
“We have already engaged with local groups and representatives. But we want to hear from all neighbours and the wider community to ensure we get this right. We do not expect all residents to share the same priorities, but are committed to finding the most supportable, and viable, proposal.”
Meanwhile, the owners have stepped up security at the site by installing a high steel fence. Property guardians for two of the buildings are also being considered. They are asking the community to get in touch if they see suspicious activity. Contact details can be found at https://stchristophersredevelopment.co.uk or residents can ring security firm Orbis on 0345 123 4357