CLOSED schools in Otley, Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale are being turned into houses - because of a change in planning regulations.

Victims of falling numbers and educational reorganisations, the schools are being snapped up by developers in the hope of turning them into desirable residential accommodation.

In Otley, both All Saints Junior School, North Parade, and Wharfe Street School, Burley Church of England First School and in Ilkley, All Saints Primary in Leeds Road, are all to be converted into residential use - if the planners give the go-ahead.

Otley's All Saints Juniors, closed in September last year

following Leeds City Council's

primary school reorganisation and Ilkley's All Saints Primary moving to a brand new school in on Skipton Road last autumn.

Wharfe Street School has been empty for some time and was the subject of a failed attempt to demolish it and replace it with houses.

Now, because developers have been forced to turn their attentions to previously used, 'brownfield' sites, instead of greenfield sites, the redundant properties are being snapped up.

Fraser Thompson, North Leeds area director for estate agents, Dacre, Son and Hartley, which is handling the sale of all three schools, said there had been an increase in the number of former schools coming up for sale.

"We have certainly witnessed an increase in the number of Yorkshire schools being sold off to developers for residential conversion.

"Over the past year alone, we have been appointed to handle the initial sale of five separate schools in North and West Yorkshire and have been re-appointed to handle the marketing of the converted in virtually all cases."

Although competition was fierce amongst potential buyers, he added that the concept of developers buying old buildings with character was nothing

new.

"However, increased planning restrictions which have reduced the availability of green sites

over recent years, have led to a rise in the number of developers looking to re-develop existing buildings."

He added this meant former schools, as well as warehouses, mills, barns and churches were all receiving a new lease of life.

"Over the past year, a number of specialist developers have turned their attentions to converting school buildings, made available by local authorities and the Church of England who are selling them as they become redundant for a variety of reasons," he said.

Many of the buildings were declared surplus because they were Victorian and unsuited to modern needs.

Mr Thompson said: "Rather than become unused these former educational establishments have become serious contenders for fashionable residential conversions, thanks to the original Victorian features boasted by many.

"A number of converted school luxury apartments which are currently being marketed in Apperley Bridge are a perfect example of this. The apartments at the old Sunday School and Bramwell Lodge retain original features such as arched windows and exposed roof beams, but also fully fitted kitchens, modern bathroom suites and an audio video entry system for added security."

And its not just the appearance of an old school that appeals to new owners, they are typically sited in the centre of towns - like Otley's All Saints Juniors and Ilkley's All Saints Primary.

"Typically, 19th and early 20th century schools were always located at the heart of a community. This proximity to local shops and amenities and good

commuting networks enjoyed by many established towns

make school conversions

extremely popular with today's discerning purchaser," said Mr Thompson.

But unlike warehouses and mills, schools presented builders with complex shapes which meant residential accommodation was often a mix of flats and apartments.

"This means that each development is individual with some resulting in apartments, some in cottage style conversions and some in a mixture of both," said Mr Thompson.

With competition tough amongst potential buyers of school properties, he believed the trend would continue.

"I know that school conversions are happening in all parts of the country and it looks likely that this trend will continue for as long as vendors wish to sell them, however, they are a depleting source and therefore once

they are converted, that will be that."