THREE disused buildings of a former Broadway nursery school are to be demolished to make way for a house despite opposition from its ward members.

Last Thursday planners at Wychavon District Council approved the building of a four-bedroom property on the site of Kirtlands Preparatory School in Upper High Street, Broadway, which closed last year.

Councillors were divided on the proposal, with the ward members, councillors Stuart Bates and David Folkes, opposing the development despite the comments of planning officer Mark Lynch, who said that replacing the unattractive buildings would be a "bonus".

Councillor Bates said of the plans: "The Eastern elevation is a featureless slab which is close to the Cotswold Way but does nothing to enhance the appearance of the area."

Coun Bates said he was also concerned that permission would lead to more applications for the conservation area, where the school buildings were located and proposed refusal.

Coun Jo Sandalls said the school buildings were an eyesore but the proposed house was too large and intrusive, and recommended a lower pitched roof.

But coun Jim Griffiths said the planned property reflected the nature of properties in Broadway, adding: "It's an affluent house in an affluent village."

Vice-chairman Tony Hotham said knocking down the buildings would enhance the conservation area. He also said the materials used to build the house would be particularly important. This was emphasised by councillor John Payne, who asked Mr Lynch what they would be. Mr Lynch replied that natural Cotswold Stone had been indicated.

Advising planners before a vote was taken, head of planning Jack Hegarty said that the site was not a greenfield site and that councillors should consider whether the building would preserve or enhance the conservation area, adding that demolishing the existing nursery school buildings would be a good move.