Planning approval secured for expansion to SEND School in...

We are pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the installation of five portacabins and associated infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in Chelmsford. The project was not without complications, given its location within the Green Belt. But we evidenced that Very Special Circumstances existed to warrant development in such a sensitive location.

Our client has successfully delivered a programme of education for children at the site since 2023. Their aim was to continue to expand on the existing services, with the addition of the portacabins and associated Forest School facilities, to allow for the provision of a secondary education school. This would then enable those children in the primary school to continue their educational journey in a safe and secure environment which responds directly to their needs.

Key planning considerations for educational development in the Green Belt

The key planning issues included: the site’s location within the Green Belt; character and appearance; ecology and biodiversity; sustainability; and the loss of Open Space. We navigated these issues successfully, presenting a robust planning case backed by informed policy analysis, research into local need, evidence of relevant local precedence and effective engagement and communication with Chelmsford City Council’s planning team.

Development in the Green Belt and VSC: The proposals were contrary to both local and national policy. However, although the project would not meet the general Green Belt exception tests, we felt it would qualify under VSC. We pulled together a compelling case to show how and why VSC existed to allow this development in the Green Belt, and our effective communication with the local council was key to this.

Character and appearance: Given the rural nature of the setting, the proposed development, which will consist of five modest, single-storey portacabins in two standard sizes, designed to offer small, secure teaching spaces for different year groups, was contrary to local policy. However, we successfully stressed the non-permanent nature of the structures, that they will be painted to blend in with the surrounding area and that as the Forest School will support the Thrive teaching approach, which emphasises emotional and social development through outdoor engagement, extra trees will be planted along the boundary line and vegetable patches and wildflower areas will be created, all of which will help to soften the landscape.

Ecology and biodiversity: The mix of proposed new trees and the wildflower meadow will ensure that the required Biodiversity Net Gain is more than adequately achieved. A tree report and preliminary ecological appraisal submitted with the application further supported the scheme, and we successfully proposed that any final surveys should be conditioned.

Sustainability: The site was not deemed to be sustainably located, but we successfully evidenced that the increase in staff and students was only modest and that, when weighing up the planning balance, the scheme’s benefits far outweighed any minor negatives, even when contrary to policy.

Open Space: The proposal site also sits within designated Open Space, specifically for formal sport and recreation. Sport England was consulted and confirmed no objection, and we were delighted that we could successfully show how the proposals would have no real impact on the Sports use of the Open Space.

Why use a planning consultant?

This project highlights our essential role as planning consultants in development projects. On the face of it, this site had several key planning issues. But through our thorough review of the proposals, our nuanced understanding of local policy and its application, our detailed research, approachable and pragmatic engagement with stakeholders, identification of relevant precedents and our successful application of the Planning Balance, we secured this much-needed planning approval for our client.

We couldn’t be more delighted for our client. With a growing waiting list for their SEND school and proven success since the original 2023 permission, this expansion will ensure that more young people in Essex receive the tailored support they need. We are proud to have played a part in delivering this vital educational infrastructure and thank Chelmsford City Council for their pragmatic and collaborative approach.

About us

We are Plainview Planning, now part of McLoughlin Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants. If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, or call us on 01242 501003, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. We look forward to helping you.

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As always, the content of this article was correct at the time of publication, but for the most up-to-date information on planning topics and policy queries, contact our team.