Paragraph 11.1 of the draft SPD states that new residential developments create additional demand for education services. Pigeon would stress that this is not necessarily the case for all residential developments, such as where they are for specialist forms of housing (e.g. retirement apartments). Indeed, this is acknowledged through the Exemptions listed at paragraph 11.18. It is therefore suggested that the wording of the paragraph should be updated to include the word “can” for clarity and consistency.

It is also important to highlight that the creation of additional demand is not the same as having an impact since this will depend on the capacity of the existing schools to meet that demand. With birth rates falling, the capacity of some rural schools in particular is increasing. In this context, Pigeon considers that the wording of Paragraph 11.4 is not appropriate as it is not consistent with the relevant statutory and policy tests for seeking Planning Obligations. Just because a development creates a child yield does not automatically mean there will be an impact on schools that should be addressed through planning obligations. The need for developments to make provision for education services will need to be justified based upon whether there is a need to create additional capacity. Where there is sufficient existing capacity in nearby schools to accommodate the child yield arising from a development there will be no need to provide additional capacity.

It is also noted that paragraph 11.9 of the draft SPD states that school capacity will be assessed based on school catchment capacities rather than school rolls. Given that school roll information, which are the usual means of establishing school capacities, is publicly available it is important that a similarly clear and transparent approach is taken with school catchment capacity information being made clearly available to enable a transparent approach to be taken in establishing school capacity and thus the need to make financial contributions.

Paragraph 11.13 of the draft SPD suggests that the County Council or DfE will usually deliver all education projects. It is considered that this is not consistent with paragraph 11.17 which highlights that the County Council will not itself provide nursery provision. It is therefore considered that the wording of paragraph 11.13 should be updated to reflect this to ensure clarity and consistency.

See attached the comments from Linton Parish Council in relation to the GC Local Plan Supplementary Planning Document.