A CHANCE to transform a “majestic” but run down Brentwood landmark has been seized by councillors.

A new vision for The Old House, in Shenfield Road, could see it refurbished into luxury flats.

It is owned by Brentwood Council and its asset, infrastructure and localism panel has decided it should be sympathetically restored.

Councillor Russell Quirk, panel chairman, said: “It’s a very majestic, very important listed building, it’s a bit of a jewell in Brentwood’s crown but it’s fallen into disrepair and needs to be restored to its former glory, rather than sold off.”

The council would retain ownership of the building so it could generate rental income for the authority.

Panel member councillor David Tee, is especially pleased about the proposals.

As a former Brentwood School boarder, the site is one that is close to his heart, although his dormitory was at School House, on the Ingrave Road.

During his time as a student between 1948 and 1956, Old House became a junior boarding house in 1950.

He said: “I can remember going to Old House, it had survived the war but not much had been done. There were lockers, a common room and dormitories upstairs. The dorms were very cold, there were no fires up there but the heating was soon changed.

“I may have had music lessons in Old House too.

“I’m delighted we are saving the building and it’s being properly handled so that it’s still an asset to the council.

“If I owned Old House I wouldn’t have left it empty for two or three years but politics does take time.”

Brentwood School has already expressed an interest in the site as it is keen to convert the building into teacher accommodation. A local firm has also confirmed it would be interested in using the site for office space.

Funds raised from the potential sale of land at Bell Mead, in Ingatestone, could pay for repair costs to the Old House which are estimated at £850,000 to £1million.