State-of-the-art science block planned for Kingsmead School (From Somerset County Gazette)

State-of-the-art science block planned for Kingsmead School

6:30am Friday 6th July 2012 in News

KINGSMEAD Community School is set for a multi-million pound expansion project.

Plans have been lodged with Taunton Deane Council to build a science block, remove temporary classrooms and extend the playcourt area at its site in Wiveliscombe.

The secondary school, successful in its bid to the Academy Capital Programme, would build a £2.1million seven-laboratory centre by March 2013 if the council approves the planning application later this month.

But Wiveliscombe Parish Council is concerned about parking and has lodged an objection.

School head teacher Geoff Tinker said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been successful in our bid to build a much-needed new science block in the school.

“This development will positively impact upon every student at Kingsmead for many years. Our main school building is almost 60 years old and hardly fit for purpose in the 21st Century.

“This new, purpose built block will ensure our students learn in the very best facilities available.”

The parish council feels that if the project goes ahead the reduced number of parking spaces at the school would cause problems in the town.

In an objection, clerk Bryan Howe said: “There will be a large (estimated at 200 cars) reduction in parking facilities at the school, which will affect residents in the surrounding area.

“It is recommended to solve this problem that the area behind Block B made into a parking area and in turn giving access to the tennis courts for overflow parking.”