Former building at Downham Market sixth form site to be converted into seven flats

A building which was part of a former sixth form will be turned into flats, after planning permission was granted.

Despite the town council's concerns, the premises at Ryston End, Downham, is set to be converted into seven flats.

The building makes up part of the former Downham Market Academy Sixth Form campus, before students were moved to the Bexwell site last year.

It previously served as a canteen, but now Tanner House Properties has been given permission to transform it into housing.

Downham Town Council refused the plans in a full council meeting in October 2022 and said: "There are too many flats proposed for the site causing a risk to the safety of occupants for exit if a fire should occur due to the nature of the entry/exit point.

"The flat size would impact on the resident’s quality of life. A reduced number of flats should be imposed if approval were given."

The site, which measures 800 square metres, initially had eight flats proposed, but this has since been dropped down to seven.

Plan sketches show three flats on the ground floor and four flats upstairs.

A design access and heritage statement from Cameron Bosque Architects states: "The building is not listed, but within the conservation area.

"The school is closed, therefore the building is vacant and requires a change of use to enable the property to become habitable.

"Due to its great location within the development area and good transport links it offers a fantastic opportunity for additional market housing."