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A ministerial statement for councils and the planning inspectorate to take into account as a material consideration when determining planning applications for new schools has been released. In determining such applications they should a) attach very significant weight to the desirability of establishing new schools; b) adopt a positive approach such applications; and c) only refuse planning permission if the adverse planning impacts on the local area outweigh the desirability of establishing a school in that area. Where a local authority refuses permission on this basis, the government will ask the Planning Inspectorate to deal swiftly with any appeal that is lodged. Consultation on changes to the Use Classes Order with the aim of making it easier for buildings to be converted to schools will be released soon. The full ministerial statement can be read here.

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