Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Green and Robin Walker

Monday 6th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con)]

21. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on helping to ensure that communities are consulted on the location of new schools.

[The Minister for School Standards (Mr 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.

[Chris Green]

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?

[Mr 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.