Bellway has submitted plans to develop 210 new homes on the former site of The Grove School, part of the St Leonards Academy, in St Leonards.
If approved by Hastings Borough Council, the 23-acre site off Darwell Close will be developed into a mix of houses and apartments, ranging from one-bedroom to four. 158 would be for private sale with the remaining 52 set aside as affordable properties for rent or shared ownership.
Bellway’s reserved matters planning application follows the granting of outline planning permission by the council in 2018.
Dan Merriman, Land Director at Bellway Kent, said: “If approved by Hastings Borough Council, this development will create a new neighbourhood of high-quality homes in St Leonards.
“The mix of houses that we plan to build here have been designed to offer a wide range of options to buyers at different stages of the property ladder, while the selection of one and two-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses will provide much-needed affordable homes for local people.
“We are looking forward to working with the local authority to bring the former site of the Grove School back into use.
“This will be a distinctive development with lots of green open spaces, walking and cycle routes helping to bring residents closer to nature. The proximity of Dogkennel Wood will no doubt appeal to many local homebuyers, and we will be providing a 15-metre buffer as part of the development to protect this much-cherished ancient woodland.
“Because of the pandemic and the resultant restrictions people have redefined their criteria when it comes to choosing what house to buy and where to live. Easy access to green spaces and outdoor activities are high up on the list of many homebuyers’ priorities and this development will certainly provide that.”
A decision on Bellway’s plans – which are currently under consideration by Hastings Borough Council – is expected this autumn.