Planning permission was granted in May 2004, for a Robert Adam Architects project at the former Douai Abbey School in Berkshire. The school, run by the monks, was closed in 1999 and the future of the Benedictine community now depends on income from the successful development of the listed school buildings and their grounds. This scheme will consequently enable the monks to refurbish the monastery and construct a new refectory, library and guest accommodation to sustain their Order. 

The design by Nigel Anderson, for Bewley Homes, is for a substantial residential development that both respects the architectural heritage of the estate, and is sensitive to the needs of the monks who remain on a separate section of the site. When complete, the School and grounds will accommodate 33 apartments within the existing listed building, 29 new flats and 15 new houses.

The design creates enclosed courtyards surrounded by modest two and three storey buildings of a similar language to the existing buildings. This reflects the character of the court, cloister and chamber buildings seen at many English Colleges and schools. The development of the listed school building will retain and restore the original qualities of the interior, featuring double height living spaces in the former Monks Refectory, School Dining Hall and Library.

The application had been referred by West Berkshire District Council to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in March 2003 due to conflicting opinions as to whether the scheme was an acceptable use of a ‘brownfield site’ or an intrusion into open countryside. The application was the subject of a 12 day Public Inquiry in January 2004.