Proposals put forward to demolish and refurbish parts of Eton College
They are seeking permission from the Royal Borough
Eton College is seeking permission from the Royal Borough to demolish part of a boarding house and refurbish pupils’ accommodation.
The world-renowned public school submitted plans looking to knock down part of Angelo’s House and add an extension.
Angelo’s House in Common Lane is a Grade II-listed building dating back to the late 18th century, located within Eton’s conservation area.
Over time, the boarding house was extended and adapted, with ‘significant’ phases of expansion during the 19th century and further adaptations in the 20th century.
Another refurbishment could be underway if the Royal Borough approves the proposals.
The building is ‘outdated and in parts impractical in layout’, the plans said.
“Angelo’s House performs an important college function as a boarding house during term times.
“The boarding and staff accommodation is poor quality and in need of investment and improvement,” they added.
The plans seek permission to demolish the existing 20th-century additions to the building, which have limited heritage significance.
A part single part three storey extension will be added instead, to make way for a common room, boot room, drying room and staff offices.
Two new entrances on the ground floor will also be introduced.
If the plans get the go-ahead, there will be a small uplift in the number of boys’ bedrooms, with 58 bedrooms in total.
Pupils spend one academic year in a room and with boys attending lessons, having meals together and doing extracurricular activities, the bedrooms are mostly used in the evening.
But all the bedrooms will be refurbished with new finishes, furniture and fittings appropriate for modern-day requirements.
“Boarding is an essential service Eton College provides to its pupils and their parents and carers,” the plans said.
“The proposals are necessary to ensure this boarding house … remains compliant with current standards set by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as regards pastoral and educational care.”
The works will also help with the conservation of the building long-term, including ‘sensitive’ upgrading to modern fire safety, acoustic, environmental, and operational standards.
The scheme’s architects approached the revamp plans with ‘a considerable level of care, enthusiasm and diligence’, the application said.
Plans look to secure a viable future for Angelo’s House, which would otherwise become ‘obsolete’ with its current layout.
Visit rbwm.gov.uk and insert 26/01995/LBC into the council’s planning portal to view the full plans.