Appointed as planning advisers to contractor.
Overcame concerns around greenbelt land challenges.
Secured planning permission to enable development of Fordway Centre.
Education Planning Advice - Morgan Sindall Construction
£6.05
million
short-stay alternative provision school, Spelthorne, Surrey.
Challenge
Vail Williams was appointed by contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction, to secure planning permission for a short-stay school in Spelthorne, Surrey. The school was designed to provide primary-aged pupils with a nurturing, structured environment where they can re-engage with learning.
Delivered as part of Surrey County Council’s £48.3m Alternative Provision Capital Programme, the £6.05m scheme included calming group rooms, a large community kitchen and dining area, an activity room, staff spaces, a playground, and a multi-use games area.
How we helped
- While an existing, smaller school building was already present, the development would see a move from a single-storey structure to a larger, two-storey facility.
- Provided strategic planning advice from the early stages, advising on appropriate scale and design, overcoming greenbelt concerns.
- Prepared robust planning statement to support the planning application.
- Demonstrated “very special circumstances” to justify development.
- Worked closely with Morgan Sindall Construction, Surrey County Council and the consultant team throughout.
- Supported the application through to successful determination.
“Vail Williams provided clear, pragmatic planning advice throughout this education project and played a key role in securing consent for this fantastic new facility. Their understanding of Greenbelt policy and their collaborative approach ensured a smooth planning process.”
Guy Hannell, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Southern Home Counties Area Director.
Result
- Technical education planning expertise saw planning permission secured for the new £6.05m alternative provision school.
- Collaborated successfully with the project team, enabling Morgan Sindall Construction to proceed with development and break ground.
- The school opened in June 2025, delivering high-quality specialist education facility in Spelthorne.
Get in touch
If you think you may need similar support to that described here, or you would simply want to have an informal chat with a member of our team to discuss your property needs, get in touch.
CrawleyWoking
