+44 (0)1392 248567 info@carbongc.com

Free schools gain relaxation of planning rules

Plans have been unveiled by the government to relax current planning rules which should enable free schools to convert existing buildings into school sites more quickly.

Under permitted development rights, free schools will now be allowed to open up in a variety of existing buildings for a year without the need for planning consent.

The Department of Education highlighted the sticking point in the inception of local free schools after identifying 24 aproved free schools which could not open due to difficulties in finding the right premises.

New schools will now be given 12 months to move forward with plans without the potential lengthy wait for planning permission. It is understood that planning authorities will only be asked to carry out noise and traffic assessments of potential properties. 

Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, stated that ” The government estate has a host of disused or underused sites that would be ideal for new free schools.”

Ready to talk?

If you'd like to talk to us about your project, do get in touch.