Gove sues for £3million over city academy 'design faults'

Education Secretary Michael Gove has joined a London academy in suing its building's designers for £3 million over alleged defects.

He and Westminster Academy claim faulty ventilation has led to stuffy classrooms and have lodged papers with the High Court. One governor said the conditions made it difficult for teachers to work.

Problems centre on a "unique" ventilation system used because the windows at the academy in Westbourne Green are sealed to cut out noise from the nearby A40.

The action, revealed by Building Design, was lodged at Technology and Construction Court division and accuses Clerkenwell-based BDP of "negligent breach of duty". The publication also reported problems with the sports hall.

The Department for Education says BDP was mistakenly overpaid for its work and more money had to be spent on remedial work.

The £23 million project, opened in 2007, has won 15 design awards.

BDP said: "We are currently assembling our defence and are still optimistic that a speedy resolution can be found."