PLANS for a new secondary school at Twyford Abbey in Park Royal have planning and listed building consent.  

Twyford Abbey is a Grade II listed Gothic-style mansion with an independently listed walled garden designed in the early 19th century by architect William Atkinson.

There is evidence the site has been occupied since the Domesday Book and the adjacent Church of St Mary, which once served the mediaeval manor house, dates back to the 12th century.

Bound by the North Circular Road and set in open parkland and mature woodland near Hanger Lane station, the abbey has stood derelict since 1988.

Following numerous planning refusals and changes of ownership, the Abbey was in a serious state of disrepair by 2015 and was included on the Heritage at Risk Register by Historic England.

READ MORE: Cats aren't just for Christmas, says animal charity

READ MORE: Medical scanner confirms discovery of Iron Age treasures

READ MORE: 'Stop Northolt' group fears runway renovation will go on at night

Then, in autumn 2016, Walters & Cohen Architects won an invited competition, organised by the abbey’s new owners, to design a secondary school on the site.

And in May this year, planning and listed building consent applications were submitted to Ealing Council.

After a positive outcome, the Greater London Authority gave Ealing permission to determine the case itself and recommended it for approval.

Walters & Cohen's plans will refurbish the abbey for admin and sixth-form use and introduces several new buildings for teaching, sport and dining.

The extensive and grounds will provide opportunities for outdoor learning, making the most of the walled garden, parkland and woods. 

Cindy Walters, director at Walters & Cohen, said: “The project presents a rare opportunity to design a school from scratch. It is also an exciting chance to bring the historic Abbey and surroundings back into use and for us to work with a forward-thinking client.”