Village school site to be transformed into homes

A landmark former schoolhouse in South Staffordshire that has stood since the 1800s is to be transformed into luxury homes.

The classrooms, corridors and main hall of the former St Paul's Church of England School in Coven are to be converted into two unique houses.

Developers want to keep as much of the original building in tact as possible, and the outside will remain largely untouched.

The building, on the corner of School Lane and Light Ash Road, dates back to 1844, when it was used as a mission church.

It was used as a school from 1857 and was previously known as Brewood, Coven Church of England (Controlled) School. It has been empty since 1970, when a replacement school was built next door.

The plans for its conversion have been approved under delegated powers by officers at South Staffordshire Council. Agent David Owen, who works for Base Architecture & Design, said the new homes would have two and three bedrooms.

"We want to keep as much of the original schoolhouse as possible," he said. "The houses will have unusual interiors and will make unique living spaces. There are tall spaces and we will be fitting a mezzanine floor.

"This is an important part of Coven history and it's great to see it being brought back to life."

A report to council bosses said: "Although the property is not listed, it features some very interesting brick detailing on the original central hall on the buttresses and in particular the cornice.

"None of these features will be disturbed. It is the intention to try and maintain the original feeling of the volume of each classroom, so the mezzanines tend to hover in the existing large spaces."