Reassurance has been given to residents concerned about the increase in parking near their homes, if building works are granted for a new modern classroom block at Sidmouth College.
Parking and a seagull nest were among the issues discussed at a public consultation to talk to project leaders about the plans, which are due to be completed by the spring of 2020.
The new build is estimated to be finished within a year, meaning cars parked on the site would have to find alternate parking during that period.
College principal Sarah Parsons and project manager Stephen Deacon told residents that they will do their best to minimise disruption.
Following the completion of the build, contractors say it will take six months to demolish the old building.
Mr Deacon, from contractor Bouygues UK, said: “A lot of it [the consultation] has been explaining to people why the building is happening.
“There was lots of talk about parking and construction noise.
“It’s a much more effective design. There will be some disruption, we have to build it and what we will try to do it minimise the disruption.
“Part of the plan will be about how we will do that.
“There will be some parking spaces; the finished build offers more parking spaces than they have currently.
“It will be for the first year and when building finishes they will be able to use parking. It’s for that first 12-month period, not the full 16 to 18 month period.”
The Herald were given a first look at the proposals that are set to replace one of the site’s original buildings.
The school has secured funding from the Priority Schools Building Programme, which is overhauling 267 of the worst conditioned school buildings across England.
The proposals consist of one three-storey and a two-storey build joined into an L shape.
The builds will be home to a new modern science suite and large preparation room, recording studio, technology workshop and a separate dining and school hall.
Principal Sarah Parsons said: “I am pleased that people are interested and it is really positive to see so many people coming out to the consultation.
“We will take into account what is said as we want to make sure this is done with the community.”
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