A FORMER Burley-in-Wharfedale school, which was at the heart of village life for more than 100 years, has been sold to a property developer.

Burley C of E First School, on Aireville Terrace, has been bought by Wilcon Homes Ltd, bringing months of speculation to an end.

The school closed its doors at the end of the summer term as part of an education overhaul, after serving village schoolchildren for 102 years.

Michael Greaves, of Dacre Son and Hartley, which is acting as agents for the sale, confirmed a successful bid had been put in by the developers. He said: "A sale has been provisionally agreed subject to contract.

"We have no further details of what they propose. I suppose Wilcon Homes will be putting in a planning application shortly."

It is thought that any development would retain the school building, but no official planning application has as yet been received.

Debbie Childs, of the Church of England Diocesan Office, charged with selling the school building, said: "Church law states that we are obliged to sell to the highest, credible bidder. Given that we are in the middle of a massive reorganisation any money is gratefully received.

"As far as I know the builders will be retaining the existing building. Planners have initially said any work done has to retain it."

Burley Community Council leaders say they are also under the impression that the school building could be retained. The council is keen to keep the Victorian building as apart of any development as it falls under the village conservation area.

However, members are also anxious to provide affordable housing in the village. John Gundry, vice-chairman of Burley Community Council, said, although it was early days, the development could provide a happy compromise between the two concerns.

He said: "We are pleased that the school will be re-used but we would not wish to commit ourselves until we see the plans. We would not like to see three-storey buildings in the middle of the village.

"As I understand it, this is going to be a compromise that will keep the main building. The builders should have been aware that this was the expectation."

A meeting has now been set up between the community council and the developers.