§ Sir Irvine PatnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if planning policy guidance note 2 rules out any extensions to schools in green belts; and if development plans may include policies for them. [39643]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesPPG2 does not rule out the extension of schools located in green belts if other considerations clearly outweigh the harm to the green belt, or if the development is for purposes specified in PPG2 such as essential facilities for outdoor sport.
Very special circumstances are needed to justify development for purposes not specified in PPG2. Development plan policies should ensure that any application for such development would not be in accord with the plan. The plan's reasoned justification might, however, indicate the factors the local planning authority would take into account in considering an application for a school extension for purposes not specified in PPG2.
An application would also need to be considered against other relevant planning policies, for example on the visual amenities of the green belt (see PPG2) and on transport (see PPG13). The suitable re-use of existing building would not require very special circumstances.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 grants limited rights to erect small buildings in school grounds without the need to apply for planning permission.