PLANS have been approved to convert the former Hinguar School site in Shoebury into homes.

Councillors gave plans for the historic site the go-ahead at Southend Council’s planning committee yesterday.

Tern Developments received permission to build 13 apartments and 18 houses on the 126-year-old Hinguar School, in Hinguar Street, and 15 flats near the former residential home, Saxon Lodge, in Smith Street.

Several outbuildings and extensions to the school will be demolished as part of the plans, with the 13 apartments boasting a mixture of one, two and three bedrooms. But the new development will reflect the old school’s features.

Fifty two parking spaces will also be built, as well as space for 18 bicycles.

Anne Chalk, independent councillor for Shoebury, said: “I’m grateful we are retaining the building.

“It’s a beautiful old Victorian building and most of the street is Victorian, so as far as retaining the street scene goes, I’m very pleased.

“But there is a problem with the impact of traffic on Campfield Road.

“Residents are worried about the amount of traffic at peak times, with people going to work.

“I’m pleased we are keeping the structure and the developer has been quite sympathetic.”

The school site has been vacant since 2012, when pupils moved to the new Hinguar School, in New Garrison Road, Shoebury.

The old school was built in 1886 and the frontage is listed and considered a local landmark.

Campaigners had tried to save the school after pupils moved out, but only five letters of objection were received against the plans.

Twenty per cent of the site will be built as affordable homes, instead of the normal 30 per cent.

The majority of the affordable homes will be built near the Saxon Lodge site.