PLANS have been submitted to build houses on the site of a former school for troubled pupils on Canvey.

Developer Bowridge Homes wants to demolish the former Leigh Beck doctor’s surgery in Vanderwalt Avenue, and build four houses.

The former surgery became the home of the controversial Continuum School, which provided education for troubled 11 to 16-yearolds.

It was opened in 2009, but was shut in 2011 by Essex County Council following a series of complaints from residents about an increase in antisocial behaviour in the area.

Canvey councillor Ray Howard believes residents will be pleased with the new plans.

He said: “I think while the building lay empty there has been some uncertainty among residents that it could be turned back in to some sort of facility.Ithink people will be more content to know it will become housing.

“They will now have their opportunity to comment on the plans.”

Grace Watson, Canvey ward councillor for the area, said: “I would rather planning permission was given to build homes there, than on our island’s green belt.

“My personal opinion is that it is a good piece of brown belt land and the area is in need of some improvement.

“I would rather see homes there than it be another school or something that does not fit in with the area.”

The school was originally set up at the site not needing planning permission as surgeries and schools come under the same category of use.

There were several public meetings about the school, where residents reported youngsters throwing stones at cars and passers-by, using abusive language, climbing on the roof of the school and running across parked vans.