PLANS to re-develop Tamworth's secondary schools as part of a radical £100 million improvement programme have been given the green light from county planners.

Under the spotlight were the proposed re-builds for Wilnecote High School, Rawlett High School and QEMS.

The vision for Wilencote will see existing facilities linked through the construction of a new entrance, atrium and dining facilities.

The development will include learning facilities to the side, the demolition of the existing entrance, library, and some classrooms, together with the provision of a new parking area and pedestrian access.

This would involve the existing northern part of the school near to the rear gardens of properties along Tinkers Green Road being demolished. A new teaching block would replace the area towards the north side of the school.

The new-build area would contain flexible teaching 'clusters' that form 'the heart' of the new school building.

The proposal also outlines plans to improve the existing entrance by creating a new arrival point, with a main entrance and a new administrative area and resources centre.

Objections to the re-modelling of the high school, have been received with concerns raised over the loss of privacy and lack of consultation.

Plans for Rawlett High School also include enhancing and linking existing facilities, with the construction of a new entrance 'hub'.

The development will include the demolition of the existing art block and the sixth form building, together with the provision of a new parking area and improved access.

The key element of the proposal would involve the creation of two new teaching blocks on the eastern side of the building. Concerns over congestion from parked vehicles have been highlighted but the development will include improved collection and drop-off facilities.

'It is an opportunity to correct past errors', officers said in a report to planners.

Other concerns included the layout of a sports pitch and its close proximity to homes in Windmill Close, flood lighting and out-of-hours disturbance. This could be resolved, officers explained, with the community facilities located further away from homes.

Proposals for QEMS include a remodelled lower school building. It will involve the demolition of several smaller stand-alone buildings and the provision of new parking areas and access road.

The focus of this development would be centred on the existing lower school.

New teaching clusters are proposed which would form areas for design and technology, art and integrated computer technology.

A new oval-shaped pod inside the courtyard will accommodate music and performing arts facilities. A landscaped open courtyard, possibly forming an amphitheatre with a covered canopy, is also indicated.

While Tamworth Borough Council had no objection to the proposals in principle, town planners highlighted traffic concerns, 'particularly when the academy campus is taken into account', which will be sited on land near QEMS.

Other concerns from residents included the loss of privacy, loss of view and also from the disturbance of contractors working on the proposed redevelopment.

More detailed plans will now be submitted.