THE derelict Cedars County First School in Hazlemere could soon be turned into affordable and residential housing with a doctors' surgery and a community hall.

English Churches, a national housing association, is set to submit two planning applications to Wycombe District Council which include a two storey residential care home of about 60 and up to five affordable homes.

The old school site, in Cedar Avenue, has been the target of petty vandalism since it became empty about a year ago after falling numbers forced Bucks County Council to close the gates.

But now local community groups, including Hazlemere Parish Council, are keen to see it redeveloped.

Cllr David Cox, chairman of the parish council, said: "Many of us would have liked to have seen this plan adopted. We have been banging drums to try and make the county council allow us to have a section for community use before they sell it off."

He added: "The village to the north of the A404 does not have terribly good facilities for youth. This would be a great opportunity to even up the balance between north and south."

English Churches provides homes for more than 26,000 people across the country. The association has four other care homes in Buckinghamshire, including one in High Wycombe.

Sue Littlemore, publicity officer for English Churches, told the Free Press that complete details of the development were not available because they were still under application.

She added: "We can certainly confirm we have put in proposals for a substantial care home and some affordable housing for local families.

"The key thing for us is that we are working in partnership with the county council, the church and the parish council. At the end of the day what we want to do is offer the best development for local people."

A spokesman for Bucks County Council said plans were still at the discussion stage and added: "We are awaiting planning permission from English Churches for this development. No agreement has been received at the moment."