Tory leak reveals threat to councils over school plans

LOCAL authorities could see many of their planning powers over schools curtailed if the Tories win the general election, a leaked document has revealed.

The Schools Secretary would take decisions on building new schools rather than local councillors, according to a draft of the party's planning policy.

The policy is aimed at reducing bureaucracy that could stop the creation of new community schools – a key pledge from the Conservatives.

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Party officials want parents and non-profit making organisations to be allowed to create new, independent schools much more easily.

The regulations will also effectively allow anyone to turn an existing building into a school without the need for planning permission.