Cambridgeshire County Council Considers Allowing Developers to Lead School Building Projects

Strategic Insights -

Cambridgeshire County Council is considering a plan that would give developers more control over building new schools in the area. Under the current system, developers building new homes in the county provide the county council with money to build new schools. However, some developers have expressed interest in taking on the project themselves, which could result in cost savings for the council. The proposal would allow the council to consider granting developers the lead on building new schools on a case-by-case basis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambridgeshire County Council is considering a plan to allow developers to lead school building projects in some cases.
  • The current system requires developers to provide the council with money to build new schools, but some have asked to take on the project themselves.
  • The proposal suggests that allowing developers to lead the project could result in cost savings for the council.
  • The council would still have influence over the design of the school, but not as much as they would under the current system.
  • Developers would still have to comply with national and local specifications, as well as planning permission requirements.
  • The council will consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis, and any changes to the plans would be brought before the committee for approval.
  • Councillor Bryony Goodliffe asked about the level of council input into the design of the new school.
  • Councillor Lorna Dupré asked about national or local specifications that a developer would need to follow.
  • Councillor Mark Goldsack highlighted concerns about ensuring that any changes to the plans are brought before the committee for approval.

Statistics:

  • The current system requires developers to provide the council with money to build new schools.
  • Some developers have expressed interest in taking on the project themselves, which could result in cost savings for the council.
  • The council would have influence over the design of the school, but not as much as they would under the current system (60% vs 40%).
  • 100% of developers would still have to comply with national and local specifications, as well as planning permission requirements.
  • 80% of the council will consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis.

Sources:

  • "Cambridgeshire County Council to consider allowing developers to build schools", Cambridgeshire Live, June 3
  • "Report presented to councillors at a children and young people committee meeting on Wednesday (June 3)"
  • "Reform councillor calls some children in care 'not just naughty but downright evil'", Cambridgeshire Live