Policy information sourced from the Havering Local Plan
17 Education
The Council seeks to safeguard existing education provision within Havering. Proposals which result in the net loss of education facilities will be resisted unless it can be robustly demonstrated that there is no current or future need.
Development proposals for childcare facilities, primary and secondary schools and further or higher education facilities will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal:
- Contributes to the delivery the Council’s agreed Commissioning Plan for Education Provision and the Schools Expansion Programme;
- Is located within the community it is intended to serve and is accessible by public transport, walking and cycling;
- Is of a high quality design and provides a safe environment; and
- Provides, private, secure and safe outdoor amenity and playing space in line with Government building guidelines, which is located away from busy roads.
Proposals with innovative and flexible design solutions and the shared use of open space and sports facilities will be considered favourably where it enables the delivery of a new school in an area of identified need and where the existing sports facility can accommodate additional play without compromising quality and accessibility for existing users.
Proposals for educational uses in the Green Belt, including the expansion of existing schools may be considered as very special circumstances where it can be robustly demonstrated that there are no suitable alternative sites within the appropriate education planning area and there is a demonstrable need or demand for additional school places.
Where a new school is proposed, the Council will require facilities for early years provision to be included on site where there is an identified local need.
Development proposals for nurseries will also be expected to demonstrate that:
- They meet the floorspace requirements as set out in the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage;
- Drop offs and pick ups can be catered for safely; and
- There is no significant adverse impact on the amenity of existing residents.
For more information please see the Havering Local Plan