Planning support for free schools

The Government have warned local authorities that opposing planning applications for new state schools could be ruled as “unreasonable conduct” unless there is clear evidence to support the decision.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Education Secretary Michael Gove said relaxing planning rules would make it easier for parents or teachers to set up free schools and allow good schools with long waiting lists to expand.

A new statement issued yesterday said there should be a “presumption in favour” of the creation of new state-funded schools in all planning decisions.

It warns that any refusal of applications for new schools will have to be clearly justified otherwise councils will be found to have acted unreasonably. Appeals against any refusal should also be treated as a priority, Ministers have said.

Mr Pickles said the measures should allay public concerns that some councils could have a conflict of interest and try to stop new free schools opening.

Free schools are a flagship policy of the coalition Government allowing parents and teachers to apply for state funding to set up their own schools whenever they are unhappy with the choice on offer in their community.