A TYNEDALE first school wishes to replace its oil fired heating system in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

A planning application has been submitted to Northumberland County Council by the Governors of Humshaugh C of E First School to replace their heating system with air source heat pumps.

In a supporting statement alongside the application, the Governors of the school said the owners of the building, the Diocese of Newcastle and Durham, requested that they undertake a programme of decarbonisation in response to the climate emergency.

They wrote: "The school is currently heated by an oil boiler that uses 8,000 litres of oil annually, emitting approximately 25,000 kg carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

"Replacing the oil boiler with air source heat pumps, especially if used with low carbon/renewable electricity, would effectively reduce the heating carbon footprint of the school to zero."

They added: "Northumberland County Council has set 2030 as the target year for the County of Northumberland to have net zero carbon dioxide emissions.

"The replacement of fossil fuel boilers with low carbon alternatives is central to meeting this target and this application to replace an oil boiler with air source heat pumps will make an important contribution."

Green Party county Councillor Nick Morphet, who represents Humshaugh, said: "I am totally supportive.

"Humshaugh is off the gas grid and most people use oil for heating their homes and it's heavily polluting, especially in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.

"Air source heat pumps are the perfect solution. I think it's a great idea."

The proposed air source heat pumps would be installed within the boundary of the school in the playground, adjacent to the existing internal Plant Room.

The Governors listed the maximum size of the individual units would be 1.56m (high) x 1.02m (wide) x 0.53m (depth). The highest noise level per unit would be 55.1 dB(A).

They said for the safety of the pupils, the units will be protected by a 1.2m steel fencing, painted green.

For more information, visit the county council's planning portal and search reference number 21/03270/FUL