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Cambridgeshire Council Considers Allowing Developers to Build New Schools

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cambridgeshire County Council is reviewing its approach to new school developments, considering a shift towards allowing developers to lead the project. Currently, developers are required to contribute funds to the council, which then builds the new school. However, in recent years, some developers have expressed interest in taking on the responsibility of building the school themselves. The proposed change aims to allow developers to take on the risks and lead the project, potentially providing "best value" for the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cambridgeshire County Council is considering a change in approach to new school developments, allowing developers to lead the project.
  • Currently, developers provide funds to the council, which then builds the new school.
  • Recent proposals have seen developers expressing interest in taking on the responsibility of building the school themselves.
  • The proposed change aims to allow developers to take on the risks and lead the project.
  • The council will remain a key stakeholder, but may have limited power to influence the design of the new school.
  • Individual proposals will be explored on a case-by-case basis.
  • Developers will need to comply with national guidance and local specifications.
  • The change in approach is aimed at allowing developers to take on the risks of the scheme, potentially providing "best value" for the community.
  • The proposal includes a default position where the county council delivers new schools, with the option to consider developer-led projects on a case-by-case basis.
  • Councillors will need to decide on individual proposals, considering factors such as the developer's input on the design of the new school.
  • The council will explore the details of the developer-led approach, including the level of input and the compliance with national guidance and local specifications.

Statistics:

  • There is no specific data on the number of new schools proposed or built in Cambridgeshire.
  • The proposal does not provide any financial projections or estimates.
  • The committee meeting did not release any specific data on the developer-led approach.

Sources:

  • By Hannah Brown, Local Democracy Reporter news@fenlandcitizen.co.uk
  • Cambs County Council meeting notes, children and young people committee meeting, Wednesday [no date]
  • National guidance on school development and construction [no specific source mentioned]

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