Permitted Development Rights for Schools Explained

Many schools in the UK today are at or over capacity, so there has been a growing demand to build additional premises using modular construction. Instead of traditional building methods which are costly, disruptive and time consuming, modular buildings are helping schools gain the facilities they need affordably, quickly and without having to undergo arduous planning permission.

Thanks to changes made in April 2021, schools can build new classrooms and facilities in a matter of weeks, all thanks to permitted development rights.

What Are Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted development rights are rules that allow building expansions to proceed without having to apply and get approval for full planning permission. Think of it like a pre-determined grant of planning consent from the government, rather than requiring formal approval from your local council.

Permitted development rights for schools cover a range of building types, but in order to pass, the design needs to meet specific conditions related to the existing structures and premises. Prior to changes in the rules, extensions had to fall within a total gross floorspace limit, which limited expansion options for schools.

Why This Matters For Schools

Permitted development rights provide schools looking to expand with many advantages to ensure they can continue delivering all required facilities for pupils and faculty.

Faster Project Timelines

Schools benefit from developing extensions during the school holidays, as it’s far less disruptive. However, setbacks due to planning permission could push this into term time.

Planning permission involves several lengthy steps, including:

1. Contacting your local planning authority (LPA) for pre-application advice
2. Gathering all necessary documents, including site location plans, drawings and design statements
3. Registering your application which can take up to 5 working days
4. The LPA validate the application based on the correct information and fee given
5. The LPA then publicises and consults on the application, following statutory consultation procedures
6. An appointed case officer or the planning committee will either grant permission with or without conditions, unless they have not decided within 8 weeks or outright refuse.

Planning permission generally takes between 8 and 12 weeks, with more complex developments taking longer for consideration and approval.

Compare this to using permitted development rights, which involves a far more streamlined process:

1. Confirm that the proposed development qualifies under permitted development rights
2. Apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development (where appropriate) to obtain formal confirmation that planning permission is not required
3. Submit a prior approval application only if the development requires it
4. Once approval or confirmation is received, construction can begin

Unlike a full planning application, permitted development rights can remove the need for public consultation, planning committee decisions and lengthy validation processes.

Significant Cost Savings

Schools across the UK are struggling to make their budgets stretch further. From competing with the rise in inflation, increases in staffing costs and national insurance contributions to the demand for more SEND classrooms and facilities. When schools manage to get the finances for expansion, planning permission can add even more costly expenses onto the project.

PDR for schools doesn’t cost anything, apart from the prior approval application to the local council, which is often typically under £100. These savings can then be put towards the construction project instead.

Avoid Curriculum Disruptions

With faster build times and avoiding lengthy application processes, schools can get developments completed during holiday periods. Of course, planning the project well in advance means you can get permitted development rights approved and set an ideal date for construction or installation to begin. This also helps schools support emergency situations, which was and still is a big advantage to tackle the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issue many schools have faced.

Able to be quickly installed outside of term time, temporary modular classrooms, canteens and sports buildings have come in to save the day for many schools, where existing facilities have posed significant safety risks.

What Can Schools Build Under Permitted Development Rights?

Schools must follow an established set of rules for building projects that fall under permitted development rights. Schools can build up to 25% of their existing footprint, or 250m² (whichever is greater), so long as:

• It is within the existing curtilage of the school.
• The building is only used as part of, or for a purpose incidental to, the use of that school.
• Does not exceed the height restrictions of 5 metres if within 10 metres of the school’s boundaries, or 6 metres in all other cases.
• Constructed using materials which have a similar external appearance to the original school buildings.

Schools can also now build two storey units. The changes made to the legislation in April 2021 mean that limitations are now based on the building’s footprint, rather than total floorspace.

What Are The Restrictions?

The permitted development rights for schools do come with restrictions, meaning development will not be permitted in certain cases. Development will not be permitted if:

• The cumulative footprint of all development carried out under Class M since 21 April 2021 can’t exceed 25% of the school’s original footprint, or 250m², whichever is greater
• Any part of the proposed development is within 5 metres of neighbouring residential land
• The development would exceed the permitted height limits
• The development would be located within the curtilage of a listed building
• The school’s primary use is not the provision of education
• The development is located within conservation areas or other designated land, it must use materials with a similar external appearance to existing school buildings

In addition, schools that increase their Published Admission Number (capacity) as a result of the new development must submit a travel plan to the local planning authority within six months of the project’s completion. The travel plan should demonstrate how the school intends to manage transport demand and encourage sustainable travel to and from the site.

How Modular Classrooms Can Help You Meet Capacity

For schools looking to take advantage of permitted development rights, modular classrooms offer a fast, flexible and cost-effective solution for increasing capacity.

One of the biggest advantages of modular classrooms is speed. While traditional construction projects can take months to complete, modular classrooms are manufactured offsite while groundworks are carried out simultaneously. This significantly reduces project timelines and helps schools complete building works during holiday periods, minimising disruption to teaching and learning.

Modular buildings can also be designed to complement existing school architecture. With a wide range of cladding, facade and roofing options available, schools can achieve a finish that blends seamlessly with surrounding buildings. This can be particularly beneficial for schools located in areas of outstanding natural beauty or within conservation areas, where new developments must use materials with similar external appearance to the existing buildings.

Modular classrooms can also be configured to accommodate specialist training spaces, SEND classrooms, staff facilities and breakout areas. As pupil numbers change, buildings can be extended, reconfigured or adapted without the need for extensive construction.

Unlike traditional buildings, modular classrooms can also be relocated, repurposed or dismantled if requirements change in the future. This gives schools a practical, long-term solution for managing fluctuating enrolment numbers while making the most of PDR.

Start Your Project With MPB Temporary Classrooms

If your school is looking to expand or gain additional facilities and benefit from permitted development rights, MPB Temporary Classrooms can help. Our modular building services include the design, delivery and installation of modular classrooms for UK schools, ensuring your modular design falls under permitted development rights.

But if planning permission is required, we can support you by handling the entire process too. Contact us today to discuss your school’s development project.