RESIDENTS fear plans to turn a former school building in Cinderford into several residential properties could worsen existing parking problems on a main road through the town.

The former St Anthony’s Primary School building located on the junction of Flaxley Street and Belle Vue Road was bought by an anonymous buyer for £281,500 in February this year, and plans were submitted to change the use of the property back in May.

The proposals, which were submitted to district council planners by Cheltenham agents Heffter and Heffter Ltd on behalf of the developer, include plans to turn the building into eight self-contained flats and one house of multiple occupation, with 13 new parking spaces being created.

The scheme will be debated at a district council planning committee meeting next Tuesday (November 9).

St Anthony’s Primary School was controversially closed by the Department for Education in 2018, with refurbishment works, which cost taxpayers £840k, having been completed just weeks before the closure announcement.

Consultants working on the scheme say the external appearance of the buildings will not change dramatically as a result of the proposed development.

Prior to the development of the school, the site was originally occupied by residential houses which were extended and linked as the school evolved over the years.

The consultants say the proposed apartments are all well proportioned and are well above the Government’s minimum space standards.

But 16 residents, along with Cinderford Town Council, have objected to the proposals.

Locals are unhappy about the potential impact that several new dwellings could have on existing parking problems along Belle Vue Road and Flaxley Street.

One resident also complained to Forest MP Mark Harper, saying that many were not told about the plans prior to their submission.

People are concerned that residents from Belle Vue Road already park in Flaxley Street as there isn’t enough parking available, and local church goers also use the car park every Sunday.

There are also concerns that a house of multiple occupation is unwanted by Forest residents and that it could alter the character of the area.

Local residents Nadine and Paul Blewitt submitted an official comment on the plans to the council back in May, saying that they feel the development would have "a negative impact on the quality of life" in the neighbourhood.

"As you are aware, an HMO needs very tight management on a frequent basis and is often a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour", they said.

Cinderford town councillors also strongly objected to the plans over parking.

"There is no public parking area and no vehicle access to the site," a council spokesperson said.

"There is concern for large vehicle and emergency vehicle access using Belle Vue Road."

District council officers have recommended approval of the plans, subject to conditions.