Derelict Burnley school to be razed and replaced with housing

A Burnley school which has been vacant since it closed nearly a quarter of a century ago could soon be demolished to make way for affordable apartments for over 55s.

Calico Homes has submitted plans to Burnley Borough Council to redevelop the site of Wood Top School on Accrington Road, which closed its doors in 2000.

A number of proposals to rescue the former school had been considered by the council, which currently owns the site, but none have proven feasible.

Calico Homes’ proposed plans for the development include 39, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with communal facilities and external private gardens.

Burnley faces a substantial growth in the number of older households over the next 16 years with the number of over 65s set to increase from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. The proposed development will provide much needed affordable quality homes for older people and will drastically improve the look of the neighbourhood.

Wendy Malone, director of property at The Calico Group said: ‘We are excited to be putting forward proposals for the Wood Top school site which will provide much needed high quality, affordable homes in Burnley. 

"We are delighted to be working with Burnley Council in bringing this historic site back into use and continuing our investment in South West Burnley."