Malsis School’s plans to build more than 40 homes within its grounds are being recommended to get the go-ahead.

The Glusburn independent school, which last month had a separate scheme for five homes approved, is hoping to build about 27 homes on one site and a further 14 homes on a second site.

The latest application, a re-submission of one refused by Craven District Council in November, is now recommended for approval.

But Tuesday’s planning committee meeting will hear that unlike the smaller application, which was approved because of its “enabling” function to secure repairs to the listed Malsis Hall, the larger scheme must be decided on its own merits.

The smaller scheme, which had the backing of English Heritage, was also approved subject to the school signing a legal agreement ensuring money raised would be ring-fenced for repairs.

“For the avoidance of doubt, officers are recommending that the application be considered purely on its planning merits and not as enabling development,” says the report.

The council has received 103 comments about the application, including 98 in support and five raising objections.

Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council previously said it had no objections to the scheme.