Controversial plans to develop the site of a former infants school in Clacton have been given the all-clear by a government inspector.

Essex County Council applied for planning permission to build homes on St Osyth Road Infants School which has been closed and unused for almost two years.

Tendring Council rejected the scheme - backed by residents living in the area who did not want to see it demolished and built on.

Following an appeal by the county council in April, it has won its battle, although it has made it clear that if firm proposals were put forward for a community use they would be considered instead of development.

The inspector felt the main issue was whether the proposal for housing would be unduly harmful to efforts to ensure adequate community facilities and upgrade the local shopping centre.

He decided to grant outline planning permission for the site after concluding there was insufficient evidence of a firm use of the building for other purposes.

Interest has been shown by Tendring Community College to move from its nearby base in Old Road into the school.

A feasibility study is currently being undertaken but is not yet complete.

"Although no figures are available it seems that it may be possible to convert the building and upgrade it to modern standards but the cost may be high," said the inspector.

Tendring Council maintained that Essex County Council did not seek to have the site designated for housing at the local plan inquiry.

It also does not believe there is any special need for housing in the area.

St Osyth Road Infants School moved out in 1997 and became Oakwood Infants on the former Windsor School site in Windsor Avenue.

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