Funding Shortfall Identified for Primary School at New March Housing Development

A county council has stated that the developers of a new housing estate, planned to include at least 1,000 residences, have not allocated sufficient funds for the construction of a new primary school. This development, situated on fields on the western periphery of March, Cambridgeshire, received approval from Fenland District Council in November. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council indicated that the current plans “do not currently provide enough funds” for the school’s construction, and the council is actively exploring methods “to source the necessary funds.” Persimmon Homes stated its agreement to contribute “£2,000 per dwelling, which equates to £2.4m-worth of funding” as part of its Section 106 agreement. A report from Fenland District Council highlighted this deficit, noting: “Clearly this creates a significant funding gap, for which there is currently no identified commitment to fill.” The report further indicated that the county council would be “required to fund a significant proportion of the new school.” Persimmon Homes commented: “As per the Section 106 contribution arrangement, this funding will be spent by Fenland District Council at their discretion on education provisions, healthcare facilities, library facilities or open space/sports facilities.” Section 106 agreements involve negotiations between developers and local authorities, through which developer contributions are allocated to fund community amenities such as parks, schools, and other services. The plans for March encompassed up to 1,200 homes, alongside allotments, public green spaces, and the primary school. Persimmon ultimately aims to construct a settlement comprising 2,000 homes. According to planning documents, the primary school is projected to accommodate 420 pupils, with the capacity for expansion to 630. A spokesperson for Fenland District Council, which serves as the planning authority, stated that the council must weigh the imperative to provide housing against the requirements for infrastructure when evaluating planning applications. The council elaborated: “Unfortunately, development in Fenland is often constricted due to viability constraints and this is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application.” It added, “The council will continue to work with developers, Cambridgeshire County Council and other third parties to look to deliver infrastructure, and not just education facilities, that meet the needs of our residents.” The county council spokesperson affirmed: “We are committed to providing the best solution for future residents of this development.”