ONE hundred new homes and a 'specialist care and rehabilitation centre' could emerge from the ashes of closed Malsis School.

New owners of the former independent preparatory school, which closed almost two years ago, say plans for the site near Glusburn will also create around 100 new jobs and provide community facilities.

Jamie Seddon, managing director of Seddon Developments, who along with his brother, Jonathan, is a former pupil, said: “Our plans for the Malsis site will not only save and restore this historic building, but in turn create approximately 100 new jobs while regenerating the wider site with new homes and community facilities for local people.”

Leaflets were sent out across South Craven inviting people to an exhibition of the plans for the 32 acre site at the former school yesterday (June 22).

Ward councillor, Philip Barrett (Ind) said it was an important site.

"As a community we need to try to safeguard the future of Malsis. This is an impressive grade two listed building located on the edge of Glusburn, located in substantial grounds, and any future regeneration would therefore need to be handled very sensitively," he said.

A spokesman for Craven District Council said: "Prior to the demise of Malsis School, the planning committee resolved to grant two separate planning permissions for residential development, subject to the school entering into S106 Planning Agreements.

"The purpose of these agreements included ensuring that profits from one of the developments would be used for restoration of the listed school building, and ensuring wider community use of the school's sporting facilities. These agreements were never finalised, the school as an educational establishment no longer exists, and consequently the planning permissions have never been determined.

"Any new applications to use the site and the buildings for alternative uses are very likely to need planning permission. As the main building is listed and an important local heritage asset the council is very keen to see a suitable use for the building to ensure its long term maintenance and upkeep."

Outline planning permission for 50 new homes on two separate sites was approved by the council two years ago as an 'enabling development'.