Green light given to Jewish school plans

Plans to convert an old secondary school into the first Jewish boarding school in south Essex have been approved.The former Castle View School, in Meppel Avenue, Canvey – which has been empty for five years – will be revamped to provide dormitories for 60 male boarders aged between 17 to20 on the first floor.The Echo understands Jcoci Educational Foundation is seeking to provide both primary and secondary school education at the site. Separate plans are still to be determined by Castle Point Council.Joel Friedman, a policy director for a Jewish charity representing the Charedi community – which has recently moved to Canvey from Stamford Hill, in north London – said he is delighted with the decision.Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point, welcomed the decision – which was made by Castle Point Council’s planning committee. She said that BBC producers have been in touch with plans to film a documentary showcasing the “warm welcome” the community has received from the island.It is understood that a family of philanthropists paid £1.75million for the building and its attached playing fields.