Heathside

Acting on behalf of the Department for Education and the ElmWey Learning Trust, we secured planning permission for a Six Forms of Entry (6FE) secondary school in the Green Belt in Walton-on-Thames, Elmbridge

Whilst it was recognised that development would represent ‘inappropriate development’ as defined by the NPPF, we considered a case could be made through the identification of several Very Special Circumstances (VSCs) which would demonstrably outweigh any harm resulting from the grant of planning permission.

In identifying the site, we undertook a robust search of potential opportunities in the area of need, which included assessment of 26 sites encompassing those in the urban area together with previously developed land.

We also considered expansion of existing schools, but owing to their inherent site constraints including size, topography and inefficient existing layout, the potential to expand was deemed to be totally unviable. The proposed site was the only realistic, economic and deliverable option.

Following identification of the site, we developed and led a comprehensive engagement programme to ensure the views of all key stakeholders and residents were taken into account and this assisted in identifying the following VSCs:

• Addressing the severe need for additional secondary school spaces in Elmbridge

• The inability to identify a more suitable location

• The Community Use Agreement in providing facilities to the local community outside of school hours

• The exemplar design, which was bespoke and thereby reduced the impact on the openness of the Green Belt

Having demonstrated to the case officer that the VSCs clearly outweighed the harm to the Green Belt, the application was approved. Also, following confirmation from the Secretary of State that the application will not be called in, the decision was issued.