November 4, 1977

THE shape of future industrial development in Studley hangs in the success or failure of a scheme to convert a small village school into a factory.

That was the feeling of Studley parish councillors this week as they delayed a decision on whether to back the scheme which would turn the New Road school into an engineering factory.

Local residents are also objecting to the plan to which they say would turn the area into a 'factory centre.'

Parish councillor chairwoman Mrs Gill Harris said: "There is a very important principle to decide here. It's a controversial point.

"Do we want further industry in the centre of Studley, bearing in mind the residential development all round?"

The planning meeting of the parish council heard the a company that leased the site A D Assemblies wanted to turn the school into a spring clip making factory, complete with workshops and offices. All the work would be internal.