Pilgrims' School headteacher's house in Winchester to be restored

City council planners have given approval for Cheyney Court in the Cathedral Close to be restored.

The much-photographed property, used by Pilgrims' School, has been empty for several years.

It had previously traditionally been the headteacher's house but the previous head Dr Sarah Essex never lived there. Belgarum understands that was due to its antiquated state.

She instead lived away from the school before her resignation last year. New head Tim Butcher is due to take over this September.

The property dates from the late 15th century and until 1835 was the bishop's courthouse. It was revamped as a dwelling by well-known local architect firm Colson and Son.

A report by council planners said: "The property is in a state of disrepair and requires works to bring it back into a residential, family unit of accommodation. Proposed works include repairs to brickwork, timber-framing, masonry, bedding joints and rainwater goods. The historic windows are to be refurbished, with secondary glazing added. These works all require listed building consent, but not planning permission.

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"The works requiring planning permission include the addition of an air source heat pump system which will be contained within a 1.7m tall acoustic shed in the garden, as well as a utility shed and bin store. These will be contained within the rear garden, to the south of the house. The garden is enclosed by a low brick plinth with close boarded shed on top, between brick piers. Whilst the rear will be visible from College Street, it is not considered that the two sheds will cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area as set out in Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Nor will they cause significant harm to the setting of the listed building in accordance with Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990."

Pilgrims' has been asked to comment but referred the inquiry to Winchester Cathedral, which owns the building.

A cathedral spokesperson did not address the issue of headteachers living in the property but said would work start towards the end of this year.

"The project will see sensitive repairs made to the building’s kitchen, bathrooms, roof, and chimney, under the supervision of cathedral archaeologists and Historic England.

"Scaffolding will be erected outside the property to ensure the safety of all those working on the project

"Cheyney Court will return to being a private dwelling once the repairs are completed".