A FORMER school which has fallen into disrepair after closing could be given a new lease of life.

The old Woodtop school on Accrington Road in Burnley could be sold off to Calico Homes if proposals are approved by Burnley Council’s executive, behind closed doors next week.

Bosses say the former school building, which closed in 2000 after more than 130 years, is in dire need of repair and Calico Homes will be working in partnership with the council and the local community to decide how to utilise the premises to provide maximum benefit to the area.

The grade-II listed building was bought by Burnley Council in 2009 but has remained empty since.

Calico Homes say they will be working closely with the council, Historic England and the community to ensure this historic building can be brought back into use.

It is hoped funding for the project will come from Homes England.

Wendy Malone, assistant director of growth and development at Calico Homes, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Calico and the council to work closely with the local community to make a real difference in Burnley.”

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: “It’s great to see the council working with strategic partner Calico to attract major inward investment into our borough with support from Homes England.

“This development meets the council’s policy of creating flourishing, healthy and confident communities and I welcome these ambitious and exciting proposals.

“If approved, this development would be a significant step forward in the on going regeneration of that area.

“The council is committed to encouraging the building of a wide range of high-quality housing of different types across our borough and this development would improve the housing offer, as well as giving a boost to the surrounding area.”