PLANS have been submitted to demolish a derelict school building described as an “eyesore” and replace it with ten new starter homes.

The old building, in Hall Lane, off Wrose Brow Road, Windhill, has stood empty for many years and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The application has been submitted by John Richard Developments.

The old school building, which was formerly the home of Woodend Primary School, would be pulled down and flattened, and replaced by starter homes with either two or three bedrooms.

In the design and access statement, the applicant states why it believes a housing scheme would suitably replace the old building.

It says: “The building is in poor condition and demolition would be essential, and the proposal is for the removal of existing premises and replacement with ten self contained residential ‘starter homes’.

“This incorporates car parking provision at two per dwelling, and access is provided via the existing situation.”

The site is next to Special Autism Services headquarters in Shipley, and vehicle access is available from Wrose Brow Road.

The school building would be replaced by two blocks of homes.

“It is proposed to replace the existing building with six residential units, and an additional four will be constructed in a detached block on the former playground.”

All the homes will have gardens, and communal green space and trees will be planted in the courtyard.

The new builds will also echo some of the architectural features of the old building, according to the applicant.

Councillor Vanda Greenwood (Labour, Windhill and Wrose) said she would support the application.

She said: “I am happy with the application and I’m really pleased that the old building is coming down.

“It had been and eyesore in the area for a long time and has been attracting anti-social behaviour which is affecting local residents and the community centre next door.”

The school building has been derelict for years, and Cllr Greenwood, who attended Woodend Primary as a child, said the old building still brought back good memories.

“Its destruction will solve a lot of problems and improve the look of the whole area.

“With up to ten young families moving into the area school places are a concern, but there is a new school being built in the Bolton Woods Village so we are getting a brand new primary school in the ward which should this issue solved.”