Concord College, in Acton Burnell near Shrewsbury, is encountering difficulties with its plans to build a new boarding house, The Shropshire Star has reported.

The proposed house, which would feature 60 en suite bedrooms, has been criticised by the local parish council over its choice of location.

The school has countered saying the development plot is the “most appropriate”.

Concord College is an independent co-educational international day and boarding school situated in the grounds of Acton Burnell Castle. The college teaches pupils aged between 12 and 19, most of whom come from overseas.

Local parish councils have objected to the proposal and asked the school to submit a revised application.

Objections include the 13-metre-high building being visible from outside the campus causing “a severely negative impact on the natural and historic environment of Acton Burnell”.

Concord College stated that location is the only one available for the development.

In a letter to Shropshire Council’s planning department, agent Lucy White Planning said the school is faced with a number of constraints which limit the ability to put up new buildings including the listed status of much of its surroundings.

The letter states: “The College explored all reasonable options to accommodate new boarding accommodation prior to submission of this planning application.

“To fulfil the College’s requirements, any site would need to be capable of accommodating a 60 bedspaces to standardise the quality of accommodation and the ratio of students to staff for safeguarding and pastoral care purposes.

“Redevelopment of existing boarding houses was explored.”