Plans approved for sustainable heating upgrades at Sunderland's Southmoor Academy as school looks to reduce carbon footprint

A Sunderland school’s bid to reduce its carbon footprint by upgrading heating systems have been approved by city development chiefs.
By Chris Binding
Published 3rd Oct 2023, 13:45 BST
Updated 3rd Oct 2023, 13:45 BST
Southmoor Academy, Ryhope Road,  Sunderland. Picture: Google MapsSouthmoor Academy, Ryhope Road,  Sunderland. Picture: Google Maps
Southmoor Academy, Ryhope Road,  Sunderland. Picture: Google Maps

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has approved a planning application for the site of Southmoor Academy off Ryhope Road.

Plans submitted in September, 2023, sought permission to install five air source heat pumps extracting heat from the air to help heat the school and provide hot water.

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A planning statement submitted to council officials confirmed the school was planning to “decommission” its existing gas fired boiler plant, with new plans providing a more “energy efficient alternative”.

Those behind the scheme said funding for the new heating system had been secured from the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund.

It was noted the fund aims to improve school buildings and in the case of Southmoor Academy, would allow a “move away from fossil fuels”.

After considering the planning application and assessing it against planning policies, Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved it on September 28, 2023.