A Wiveliscombe community group is urging residents to protest against the £10 million redevelopment of the town’s Kingswood Academy on the grounds that it will not be sustainable or have renewable energy sources.

As part of its campaign, the Action for a Sustainable Kingsmead (ASK) Group is asking for comments on the massive redevelopment to be sent to Somerset West and Taunton Council planners by this Friday, April 24.

Under the planning application, submitted to the council last month, the school’s main block, built in 1953, would be demolished and replaced by a teaching and administration building. If a

approved by planners, construction was originally scheduled to start in August and the buildings completed by September 2022.

An ASK spokesman said: “We believe that the consultation process for the new builds was inadequate and it is clear that the school’s own wish for a sustainable building with renewable energy has been ignored.”

It was claimed that the new buildings also had no provision for rainwater harvesting and would not be of zero carbon construction.

The application includes two rectangular blocks, a three-storey teaching wing and a one-storey main hall. Funding was originally granted five years ago but the project was delayed by Brexit. Since then the number of students has increased from 750 to 900.

Comments on the proposals, which will be discussed by the council’s planners at a future meeting, should be sent to :https:///somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/asp/webpages/plan/PIAappDets.asp?casefullref=49/20/0009.

Anyone wishng to voice an opinion – for or against the application – and who is willing to be named in the Free Press, can email [email protected] by Wednesday. This is not a guarantee that your comments will be used. Readers’ letters would also be welcome.