logo-education
0370 270 6000

already registered?

Please sign in with your existing account details.

Sign in with LinkedIn

need to register?

Register to access exclusive content, sign up to receive our updates and personalise your experience on brownejacobson.com.

Privacy statement - Terms and conditions

Register with LinkedIn

Forgotten your password?

Browne Jacobson home arrow Home arrow Insights arrow Blogs arrow Local planners told to 'free space for free schools'

local planners told to 'free space for free schools'

11 October 2012

The Government is increasingly exercising its powers under the Academies Act 2010 to coerce local authorities and planning departments to make sites available for free schools.

A number of free schools that were due to open have either struggled to secure suitable or permanent sites or for those that have, a dispute has arisen with the local authorities over planning. Where a local authority refuses to transfer a vacant school site (usually pursuant to a 125 year lease at peppercorn rent), the Government can use its statutory powers to “scheme” land in its own ownership. The Government can also exert pressure by ensuring planning authorities view applications by free schools more positively, with the communities and local government minister being able to override their decisions.

Increased pressure will ensure that more sites are made available, leading to more free schools being opened. The New School’s Network suggestion that the system through which sites are identified and bought is decentralised will also help achieve this.

related opinions

Government guidance on Higher Education - updated

On 30th September, the government updated its guidance to universities on re-opening their buildings and campuses.

View blog

Government guidance on Covid-19 for Higher Education (HE) institutions

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on new measures to tackle Coronavirus, and with students about to start new terms, the government has updated its guidance to universities to make their buildings and campuses as safe as possible.

View blog

Government announces ten-year programme of school rebuilding

Ambitious funding plans, announced recently by the Prime Minister, have made clear that spending on school buildings is seen as a key element of efforts to stimulate the economy post-COVID.

View blog

Members of academy trusts have fiduciary duties

We are increasingly asked are there any limits on how members can exercise their powers.

View blog

View all blogs

mailing list sign up



Select which mailings you would like to receive from us.

Sign up

information

  1. Investors in people
  2. Lexcel
  4. Plain English Campaign Approved

follow us...

© Copyright Browne Jacobson LLP 2020 - All rights reserved