New Planning Rights for Schools
“This may save money and time by not having to submit a planning application when undertaking school works; whether it’s a basic need bulge year classroom or a care suite extension under the Schools Access Initiative.”
James Sanderson. Gen² Head of Project Management.
The Government announced plans to increase permitted development rights for school buildings as part of the Housing and Planning Act in 2016. Our Head of project Management looks at the Government’s proposals to extend them to make it easier for schools to expand places.
The government’s proposed extension to what development schools can undertake without applying for planning permission may save money and time by not having to submit a full application.
The scope covers minor developments and improving access. The current conditions that you to take into account include the floor area and the effect on neighbours.
Current Condition on Floor Area
The current school permitted development rights apply to schools smaller than 100m². For buildings/structures that schools don’t have planning for like sheds and canopies. So for example if you wanted extend a 60m² classroom, and the school has no sheds then this can be permitted development without the need for a planning application. However, if the school had sheds of 50m2, you could only carryout a 50m² extension under permitted development.
Current Condition on Boundary Proximity
Permitted development rights only cover changes within 5 metres of the school’s boundary. Development on a playing field, within the curtilage of a listed building is not permitted. Plus, the requirement within AONB’s, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites are for external materials to have similar external appearance to those used in the original school buildings.
Government’s Proposed Changes
The new order is proposes the threshold for extensions to existing school buildings is increased from 100m² to 250m², as long as the extension does not exceed 25% of the original building’s gross floor space.
It will also relax the proximity to the boundary requirements unless it is adjacent to a residential area. All other criteria remains unchanged including those relating to height restrictions, development on playing field land the curtilage of listed buildings and conservation areas.
Should your school have a project that may fall into the new planning development rights; you will need to get written confirmation from your local planning authority. They will ask for accurate information of what buildings have already been erected under permitted development, including sheds, storage containers, outdoor classrooms, canopies that create floor space etc. before being able to advise you.
“New planning measures intended to ensure that where there is an identified need for school places, schools can open quickly on temporary sites and in temporary buildings while permanent sites are secured and developed".