Communities Secretary Eric Pickles today introduced new planning measures to support the expansion of popular state schools and the creation of new free schools.

Ministers are determined to change the current system which is viewed by many as an obstacle to good schools with long waiting lists being able to expand.

In a new planning statement, Mr Pickles set out new principles for councils considering proposals for the creation or development of free and other state-funded schools. The new guidance is a boost for state education and local promoters of the Government's flagship free schools programme, who can now be confident their proposals will be processed swiftly, and that new schools can be set up quickly in response to demand from local people.

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The Secretary of State said the measure should allay public concerns that some councils could have a conflict of interest as a local planning authority and a local education authority, or could try to use the planning system to stop new free schools opening. The new rules provide greater certainty for all involved.

The Government is committed to ensuring there are sufficient state-school places and improving choice and opportunity in state education so every child can reach their full potential. Free schools give parents, teachers and community groups the power to establish a state-funded school to help improve standards for all children.

The Government is making it easier for people to create, expand and improve free and other state-funded schools, and this guidance makes it clear that councils should work positively with communities from an early stage to identify suitable sites and prepare strong planning applications.

Mr Pickles said: "Councils need to do more to support the expansion of popular schools, so that school waiting lists are not a barrier to greater equality of opportunity. We also need to avoid councils covertly seeking to use planning red tape to stop the healthy competition of new free schools. These measures will help improve local schooling to the benefit of local communities."

(CD/GK)