Laing O’Rourke and its team were appointed by the EFA to deliver seven secondary schools across Bradford, Kirklees and North Yorkshire at an estimated contract value of £97 million, funded via private finance as part of the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP).

DPP were appointed by Laing O’Rourke assist them in their bid for the contract and, once successful, to prepare, submit and manage the applications for the seven schools. This included public consultation, liaison with the LPA and statutory consultees, preparation of planning documents and project management of the team.

DPP were successful in project managing the submission of the application in 6 weeks and in achieving consent within the 3 week period for determination. Public consultation was key as the site was the subject of a previously failed scheme under the Building Schools for the Future programme and was contentious in terms of traffic generation and non-planning related political issues, which needed careful handling.

Negotiations with Sport England were key in terms of the impact on playing fields. In addition, the entire site was washed over by Green Belt and was designated as Urban Greenspace and so a robust policy justification needed to be put forward.

Image source: Atkins Architects