A former language school in Sherbourne, which dates back to the 19th century, can now be turned into a house following a council decision.

Plans to turn Sherbourne Priors into a home with at least nine bedrooms were submitted to Warwick District Council at the end of April.

The Watery Lane building, which was first used as a training centre from 1978 and then latterly a English language school, has five classrooms and a games rooms.

The school accepted children aged seven to 13 and housed them in dormitories.

But with the district council now granting planning permission, the former school can now be used as a house.

Built in 1865 by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, the house was sold outside the Sherbourne Estate in the 1920's and occupied as a private house until 1978.

The planning application said there will be no alterations to the building.

And the council said the change of use would not have a negative impact on the local community.

"The language school is unlikely to meet a local need and is situated within an undesirable location away from the urban area," a council report said.

"It is therefore considered that the loss of the language school in place of a new dwelling (returning it to the original use) in this location is acceptable."

The report added: "The property was originally a dwellinghouse prior to its use as a training centre and language school, and therefore returning the building back to its original use is considered to preserve the character of the conservation area."