Planners to decide on former Ovingdean Hall School scheme

A major project proposed for the former Ovingdean Hall School is to go before planners.The establishment is set in expansive grounds adjoining the historic Ovingdean village. The site originally hosted the 1792 Ovingdean Hall manor but was later – in about the 1890s – converted into a school.The application set to be decided on by Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee on 1 November is the second phase of wider development works.Proposed is the demolition of the theatre, swimming pool building and two accommodation blocks; the erection of a two/three-storey extension to Ovingdean Wing comprising classrooms, common rooms, a sports hall, dining area and bedrooms; bringing forward a three-storey detached boarding block; and relocating the multi-use-games-area (MUGA) to the southeastern corner.Approximately 13,777 sq ft of building floorspace would be demolished, with about 51,666 sq ft to be created. The proposals also include 114 single boarding rooms and 26 twins.The redeveloped site would be operated by Oxford International College to create a modern educational facility with boarding accommodation.