Surrey SEND School Project Faces Further Delay Amid Government Information Hold-up

The development of a special educational needs and disability (SEND) school in Surrey has experienced another postponement, which a local council attributes to a delay from the government. Margaret Cooksey, who serves as Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) cabinet member for planning, stated that the council had expected to receive necessary details from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding the planned Betchwood Vale Academy in Dorking before the close of October. Ms. Cooksey indicated that the deadline was missed, rendering it “impossible” for a decision to be made in February as initially anticipated. The Department for Education (DfE) commented that it holds the conviction that “every child and young person deserves the best life chances,” citing this as the rationale behind its announcement of a “significant” £1bn investment in the SEND system within the budget. In March 2023, MVDC had voted to approve planning permission for the educational facility; however, a High Court challenge was subsequently initiated by a claimant. The council reported that following discussions with the DfE, it asked the court to invalidate the initial decision, which the court proceeded to do in July, based on the challenge related to habitat regulations. Bridget Kendrick, the deputy leader of the council, stated her expectation of receiving the DfE’s information by the conclusion of August. She further expressed hope that the council would be in a position to render a new planning decision during October or November. Ms. Cooksey conveyed that the local authority was informed that the government department was unable to provide a timeline for the supplementary information. She stated: “I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we remain committed to making a new planning decision as soon as possible. “We fully understand the importance of timely progress; however, the timeframe for bringing this application to a future development management committee meeting is entirely dependent on when the DfE provides the additional information it wishes to submit.” A spokesperson for the DfE commented: “We are committed to improving inclusivity, expertise and the capacity within mainstream schools, as well as making sure special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.“The reform families are crying out for will take time but we will deliver the change that is so desperately needed.” The school had an initial provisional opening date set for September 2025. Surrey County Council has been contacted for an update on whether this date has been altered.