Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

New School Locations: Consultation of Communities

Monday 6 December 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Green asked about recent discussions on ensuring community consultation for new school locations.
  • The response noted the success of the free schools programme, including two schools in Bolton.
  • Chris Green expressed concern about planning issues and public opposition at a meeting on a proposed school site.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Green Con
Education
Context

The free schools programme has created many new schools, but there are concerns about community engagement in the decision-making process.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on helping to ensure that communities are consulted on the location of new schools. The free schools programme has created hundreds of new schools, including Eden Boys School and The Olive School in Bolton, both judged as outstanding by Ofsted. Before signing a funding agreement to open any new school, the Secretary of State will always have regard to local consultation on the proposals.

Answer from Robin Walker

The free schools programme has created hundreds of new schools, including Eden Boys School and The Olive School in Bolton, both judged as outstanding by Ofsted. Before signing a funding agreement to open any new school, the Secretary of State will always have regard to local consultation on the proposals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues are not mentioned.

How: The Answer Provides General Information About Community Consultation But Does Not Address The Questioner'S Specific Request For Recent Discussions.

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Q2 Chris Green Con
Education Housing
Context

A local public meeting on planning a new school at Captains Clough attracted significant attendance, with many residents expressing concerns about the location. A village green planning application has been submitted to address these issues.

Question

Getting planning right is one of the biggest concerns my constituents have. The proposals to build a new school on the Captains Clough playing field drew a huge number of people to a public meeting I recently held. Will my hon. Friend the Minister commit to meeting me and working with my constituents to ensure we get the right school in the right place?

Answer from Robin Walker

I understand that an initial site search put forward Captains Clough as a preferred option, but we are aware of the concerns raised by my hon. Friend and others, and that a local group has submitted a village green planning application. We are exploring options with the local authority to resolve those concerns, but of course I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further.

Answered
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