Policy information sourced from the Kingston Upon Thames Core Strategy

DM 23 Schools

The Council will:

  • identify potential sites for new schools to meet identified needs
  • designate and protect open space on school sites as shown on the Proposals Map and seek to ensure that school expansion proposals retain open space and that all options to re-organise/expand schools within the existing built footprint are explored, with a presumption against a net reduction in open space
  • assess proposals for new schools and school expansion against the following criteria:
    • the size of the site, its location and suitability to accommodate a new school or school expansion taking account of compatibility with surrounding uses, and existing planning policy designations (e.g. Conservation Areas, MOL, Green Belt)
    • the impact on green open space, games pitches, outdoor play and amenity space, taking account of the character of the area, whether the site is within an area of open space deficiency and whether the school has sufficient outdoor space for play and games
    • the location and accessibility of the site in relation to:
      • the intended catchment area of the school
      • public transport
      • the local highway network and its ability to accommodate new or additional school trips without adverse impact on highway safety
      • safe and convenient walking and cycling routes to schools
    • the extent to which the building design contributes towards the government target that schools and colleges should be zero carbon from 2016 (see policies CS1 and CS2)

The Council will require new residential development to contribute to education provision, in accordance with guidance in the Planning Obligations SPD or CIL charge (See policy IMP3).

The Council will require flexible, accessible accommodation to optimise use of school buildings and their outside spaces for a wide range of community purposes throughout the year.

For more information please see the Kingston Upon Thames Core Strategy