Plans to convert former St Leonards language school into flats

Proposals have been put forward to convert a former language school in St Leonards into an apartment building.

In an application submitted to Hastings Borough Council, planning permission is being sought to convert Gensing Manor – a four-storey 19th century villa on the corner of Dane Road and Charles Road – into 19 self-contained flats.

The building already has planning permission for conversion into a residential care home, but the applicant says no care home operators have been willing to take on the project.

In its application, a spokesman for applicant said: “This application seeks to ensure the long-term viability of the building and wider site, through sensitive adaptation and considered new development, by providing high quality residential accommodation.

“The development would also allow for substantial improvements to be made to the existing house and grounds, safeguarding its future

“The proposals set out here provide 19 flats, made up of seven studios, eight two-bed units, and four three-bed units.

“Thirteen of the units are located within the existing building, with six further units provided in a new extension located on the north side of the existing property.