Flats plan for former girls' grammar school

The Mary Woollett Centre was previously a 1930s grammar school

Plans have been submitted to convert a former 1930s grammar school in Doncaster into flats.

Danum Grammar School for Girls, which has since been renamed the Mary Woollett Centre, was put up for auction last year after the building fell out of use.

Applicant CR Construct Ltd submitted a proposal to Doncaster City Council for the building to be turned into 55 flats. The plans also include the erection of a three-storey building containing 44 flats.

Some objections were lodged during the consultation process.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, one objector said: "Parking is already a major problem in this area due to proximity to the town centre.

"Residents frequently struggle to park outside their homes, as spaces are taken by workers during the day.

"Adding 99 apartments, with potentially over 100 extra vehicles, will make this situation unmanageable."

They also added the site had a "strong heritage value" and raised concerns about its appearance being altered.

A planning statement submitted with the proposals suggests the applicant intends to preserve the heritage of the building as part of the project.

It states the plan "retains and restores the two single storey pavilions, reinstating their original appearance to enhance the architectural integrity of the locally listed building".

Another objector called for a full ecology survey to be carried out.

They said: "The area is known to be inhabited by bats, which are a protected species. A full ecological survey should be carried out, and any planning decisions should ensure legal protections are upheld."

The consultation period on the application is due to end on October 3, before a decision by either the planning committee or a planning officer.

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