Closed school could be used for retirement flats

Homes could be built on the site of a former private school if plans are approved.

Churchill Living Limited wants to build 51 retirements apartments on the grounds of Hemdean House School, in Hemdean Road, Caversham, along with 10 flats in its former school house.

The school first opened in 1859 but closed in July 2024 because of "ever-falling numbers and few prospective pupils". Ofsted said it had 44 pupils and capacity for 140 when it shut.

The school's former gatehouse lodge would also be used for a home to be sold on the open market, according to the application. That was filed with Reading Borough Council.