Steiner school teacher Larry Klatzko (left) with Stuart Gremo, managing director of Cardy.

A derelict section of the former St Augustine’s Hospital in Chartham could be transformed into new school buildings.

The Rudolf Steiner School at Garlinge Green has already acquired the old spinal injuries centre, Oak House, and hopes to have it operating as a school by September 2013.

The school’s present site would see 10 new houses built on it, which would be added to the two already there and then sold to fund the development of the old hospital site.

Planning applications for both sites are due to be submitted before Christmas.

Wincheap-based construction firm Cardy is acting as consultant for the school on its plans for the site.

Cardy managing director Stuart Gremo said: “The school’s present site is no longer viable and it wants to relocate here.

“The plan for the existing school is an enabling development and that will pay for the development of the new school site.

"These St Augustine’s buildings are badly neglected and have deteriorated. But the overall aim is to breathe new life into them and into the area."

Oak House is a 1960s addition to St Augustine’s, but has not been used for more than two decades.

Many of the hospital’s other buildings have been converted into housing.

There will be a public exhibition at Chartham Village Hall, starting at 4pm on Monday, December 5.

See this week's Kentish Gazette for full story and plans.