Context

• We were appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to help de-risk the planning process involved in delivering a new 200 place Special Education Needs (SEN) school.
• We are retained as planning advisors nationally for the DfE and have advised on several school projects, bringing together experience from both public and private sector clients. 
• The site identified is allocated in the Development Plan for housing and the scheme effects sports pitches locally.

Our Approach

• We organised and led a pre-application engagement meeting with Leeds City Council, followed by clarification discussions before then advising our client. 
• We sought confirmation of the principle of use, access strategy, environmental standards and sports pitch standards and access.
• We used our experience working with contractors on similar sites to make sure that the scheme would be deliverable.

The Results

• The principle of use was established, with the Council supporting this in policy terms.
• Clear advice was given on environmental standards and other matters which will allow a clear brief for contractors.
• Clarity for our client in the pre-application process.