The former Gurnard Primary School.
A PLAYING field and orchard at a former school site is to be sold by the Isle of Wight Council but the land will remain open to the public.
The land next to the old Gurnard Primary School, at Hilton Road, will be offered on the open market, with conditions preventing it from being developed. Instead, it will remain in community use.
Gurnard Parish Council had made two offers for the land, valued at £13,000 — one for £8,000 and a second for £10,000 — but the council says it must be sold through through the correct channels.
Deputy director for economic development, John Metcalfe, said: "When disposing of council assets, we have a legal duty and a responsibility to our council taxpayers to secure best value for an asset under the conditions of its disposal.
He added: "Although we have received several proposals for the orchard and playing field to date, we intend to test the 'best value’ by advertising them for sale on the open market, with conditions their current use is retained and community access is maintained all year round."
Gurnard Primary School moved to the old Solent Middle School site, at Baring Road, earlier this year.
Plans to sell the actual school site — which is separate from the field and orchard — with outline permission for seven houses, have already been approved by the council.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk