Finborough School in talks to purchase land from Stowmarket Golf Club

A town’s golf club is in talks to sell a section of its land to a nearby school for the potential construction of a new dormitory block.

Finborough School has submitted plans to Mid Suffolk District Council to build on land next to its site which is currently owned by Stowmarket Golf Club.

Alongside a new dormitory for the independent boarding school, the plans also include single storey extensions to the existing detached teaching blocks.

The proposals are intended to benefit both parties and the landowner of the golf club is supportive of the plans.

In a sustainability report, Russell Morely, chairman at Stowmarket Golf Club, said one of the club’s main priorities is to replace and upgrade a 30-year-old irrigation system which would help to prevent flooding issues — however, this is expected to cost £750,000.

Mr Morely said: “It is essential that to be fit for purpose going forward the club will require significant investment both in the golf course, particularly by upgrading the irrigation system and other course alterations.”

School director James Sinclair said the proposals would allow Finborough School to grow in pupil numbers and also provide a greater range of facilities for the students.

He said: “The opportunity to provide additional outdoor recreation space for school outdoor learning and ecology projects is also desired through the utilisation and enhancement of the existing field area.

“These developments would create further employment for additional teaching staff, residential staff, cleaners and grounds staff as well as providing benefits for the local community.”

Access to the site would remain the same with traffic entering through the main school grounds and the design and access statement states that nearby residents will not be impacted by the plans, if approved.

Mid Suffolk District Council is set to discuss the plans on Friday, October 18.