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Net-zero in operation , the building has energy efficiency at the heart of every area of its design . Its position will provide maximum sunlight to nearly 1,000 solar photovoltaic panels generating an estimated 296,000 kWh of energy a year . The LED lighting will be controlled automatically by daylight and movement detection . The main building will have fresh air ventilation , keeping the school a comfortable temperature , even in extreme heat .
Richard Christmas , lead designer at Atkins , said : “ This is a really positive step forward for the proposed school which has been designed to promote well-being and educational attainment for all learners who use the building and create a project with a low environmental impact .”
The University of Brighton Academies Trust will run the new school as part of an ‘ all-through ’ primary and secondary school named The Bedelands Academy . The primary element is being developed and funded separately by Homes England on a nearby site .
Dr John Smith , University of Brighton Academies Trust Chief Executive , said : “ The Trust is delighted to be part of this exciting development that places children ’ s education , well-being , and sustainability at its heart .
“ Planning approval is excellent news . It marks a positive step forward and brings us closer to welcoming a new state-ofthe-art , zero-carbon school into our family of academies that enrich the lives of many local children .
“ We look forward to continuing to work closely with partners involved in delivering this ambitious project .”
Councillor Robert Salisbury , Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Planning said : “ Securing planning permission for this new secondary school is tremendous news for Burgess Hill residents and is a step towards the delivery of another important piece of infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of the town .
“ Throughout the Brookleigh development essential infrastructure improvements are being delivered at an early stage , with work to expand the road network , improve sustainable transport infrastructure and deliver this new school underway both before and alongside the construction of new homes .
“ The plans for this new school look fantastic and it will provide high quality educational facilities for children living in the local area .”
Everyone involved is working towards the new secondary school being completed and open to its first students in September 2025 . It will open as a four-form of entry school , first welcoming around 120 year 7 students and grow each year with a new year 7 intake , eventually accommodating 900 pupils .
Mid Sussex District Council ’ s planning committee approved reserved matters planning permission for the designs on 15 December , having previously approved outline planning permission .
Find out more about West Sussex County Council ’ s Climate Change Strategy and commitment to reducing carbon emissions .
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