Plans for the new Ormiston Sudbury Academy have been given a "big thumbs up" by a community leader, but fears have been raised around whether the sports centre will be open to the public.

The school is seeking planning permission for its new site, which would include the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new main building.

As well as this, the redevelopment would include the formation of a multi use games area and a replacement sports block.

An Ormiston Academies Trust spokesperson said the intention is that the new sports centre will be open to the community outside of school hours.

Adrian Stohr, who represents the North ward on Sudbury Town Council, said he gives the plans a "big thumbs up", adding that the designs "look great" and "should give local kids a 21st century environment to learn in."

He said he spent two hours making a "detailed analysis" of the plans at a public consultation and added "there is so much to be really happy about".

Adrian Stohr, who represents the North ward on Sudbury Town CouncilAdrian Stohr, who represents the North ward on Sudbury Town Council (Image: Adrian Stohr)

He also praised the school's "environment friendly" design and said it would mean the school could "live virtually off-grid." 

However, Mr Stohr also raised his fears about the possibility that the new sports centre might no longer be open to the public. 

“I understand that opening to the public may no longer be considered economic when the site reopens," he said.

"If this is the case I will be totally gutted. This would be a huge loss to the community when we all know how vital those facilities are for physical and mental health and wellbeing." 

He said the old sports centre has been important to local people and added that he will be talking to the school's management and, if necessary, will campaign to keep it open. 

When asked about the Mr Stohr's fears, an Ormiston Academies Trust spokesperson said: "The consultation is still ongoing so the final plans are yet to be decided, but the intention is that the new sports centre will be open to the community outside school hours, and will be open to pre-organised regular sports clubs.

"The details are still all being decided, with the community invited to share feedback on plans as needed."