THE disused former Even Swindon Primary building in Rodbourne is due to be demolished after Swindon Council lodged a planning application to pull down the old school.

The site, in Hughes Street, has been empty for more than a year after the Primary Care Trust closed down its operations there.

The building was gutted by a large fire on February 16 this year, which entirely destroyed one of the rooms and part of the roof, and the opportunity is being taken to start something new on the site.

It is now due to be demolished to make way for new housing in the area.

Coun Kevin Small (Mannington and Western) said: “There were a small number of people who didn’t want the building knocked down at all, and if I listened to my heart I would get the same response. I went to school there as a child, and it is part of our heritage.

“But sadly it has to be knocked down because of the damage caused by the fire, as there is no realistic option for it to be saved.

“Because of the fire, officers approached me about the safety of the building and told me there had been recent break-ins.

“With a heavy heart I agreed demolition was the right thing to do.

“Nothing is set in stone yet but there have been talks about a shop like a Co-op to serve the community of Rodbourne. My personal choice is that any housing would be in keeping with what is in the area at the moment, which would be two bedroom terraced houses.

“We would also make sure there is adequate parking on site. New Street can be widened by five feet to make room for extra parking bays.”

Even Swindon Primary school moved around the corner to Pasture Close in 2007, and is currently expanding its site to accommodate increasing numbers of children in the area, leading to concerns of overcrowding if more new housing is built in the area.

“There will be increased pressure on the school, and it is inevitably going to get to the stage where there is no room for further expansion,” Coun Small added.

A spokesman for Swindon Council said: “There are no immediate plans for the site but the ultimate aim is to redevelop it for housing. “This was the preferred option from a public consultation held some time ago. We expect the building to be demolished in the autumn.”

Mick Ferris, 50, of Hughes Street, said: “I just want it to look decent rather than the mess it is now. Kids tend to go and sit in there smoking and drinking.

“The thing is an eyesore and it needs to be pulled down.”

Work is expected to begin on September 2 and be completed on October 11.