680-pupil school cap at Thomas's Preparatory School, Clapham Common, London SW11

“This application proposes a variation of the Section 106 Legal Agreement, which currently limits the number of enrolled pupils to 650 pupils. It is proposed to increase this number by 30 (4.6%) to enable a total of 680 students. Specifically, the applicant proposes to delete the existing clause 8 and replace it with the following:”

“The applicant has confirmed that the increase would not result in any associated increase in the existing staff numbers and no physical building works are proposed under this application…”

“SITE DETAILS: The application site comprises a 0.8 hectare plot occupied by a school building, currently operating as Thomas’s Preparatory School, located on the northern side of Broomwood Road. The school accommodates pupils aged 4 to 13, with a maximum enrolment cap of 650 students. It has been operated by Thomas’s London Day Schools since 1993, following its previous use as Clapham County Girls’ School.”

“The main school building dates back to the Edwardian era, having been designed in 1907. It fronts Broomwood Road and comprises a four-storey red brick structure, which is Grade II listed. To the rear of the site, more modern buildings are situated, separated from the historic building by designated sports and play areas. The site is not located within a conservation area and is not subject to any other specific planning designations.”

“2020 (2020/2078). LB. Approve with Conditions. Alterations including erection of single storey extension to existing entrance, single story rear extension to Dining Hall. Erection of double height (including subterranean level) extension to east elevation to provide Sports Hall and internal alterations to existing school buildings. Installation of replacement double glazed timber sash windows to original school building. (Corresponding Planning Application ref.”

“Removal of 1 no. existing canopy. Ground surface to be replaced with safer play surfacing 2016 (2016/4086). VL. Approve Subject to Legal Agreement. Variation of Section 106 legal agreement related to planning permission dated 13th July 2007 ref 2006/5293 for the erection of single-storey reception block to the north of the school site. The variation is to allow the increase of the number of pupils from 586 to a maximum 650. The school has operated with 637 pupils since 2013.”

“However, the submitted Transport Assessment, reviewed by the Council’s Principal Transport Officer, concludes that the modest increase of 30 pupils is unlikely to result in any significant change to the local road network or adversely affect residential amenity. This conclusion is supported by a notable shift toward sustainable travel modes, with a growing proportion of pupils commuting by walking, cycling, or public transport.”

“However, the above assessment demonstrates that the proposed modification to increase the pupil cap from 650 to 680 is not considered to have an adverse impact on the efficiency or safety of existing traffic management measures or parking provision associated with the school. Nor is it expected to result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring properties.”

“Traffic and Parking: • Objectors dispute the claim that 30 additional pupils would result in only 7 extra car journeys. • Existing drop-off/pick-up activity already causes significant disruption, with parents occupying resident parking bays for extended periods without permits or visitor tickets. • Lack of enforcement by parking attendants exacerbates the issue. • Additional vehicles would intensify existing parking pressures on Broomwood Road and surrounding streets.”

“Pupil Cap and Breach of Limits: • Strong opposition to any increase in pupil numbers beyond the current cap of 650. • ISI report from January 2023 indicates 652 pupils on roll, suggesting the school is already in breach. • Historical breaches of previous caps (e.g. 586 pupils in 2006, exceeded by 637 pupils in 2013) raise concerns about compliance.”

“While the potential for increased noise is acknowledged, Officers consider that the addition of 30 more pupils is unlikely to significantly increase the level of noise experienced by neighbouring residents. Officers also note that that the school operates for only 35 weeks of the year, with the remaining 17 weeks generating minimal activity.”

“Members queried whether it might be appropriate to include an advisory note regarding traffic, as one was conditioned regarding noise. Officers confirmed that the Traffic Team worked very closely with the school, whilst pupils were also very proactive. The proposals had been assessed and officers considered that any small increase in traffic would not be…”

“Official detrimental. It was added that the school would carry out a survey as part of the Travel Plan process. The Travel Plan was administered by Transport for London, whilst Council colleagues were also closely involved. Transport for London required Travel Plans to be accredited on a three yearly basis.”

“RESOLVED - (Unanimous) that planning permission be granted for the reasons set out in the report, subject to legal agreement.”

“1) Legal Agreement: the completion at the cost to the Applicant of a Deed of Variation under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in a form accepted by the Head of Service as securing the provisions detailed below:”

“- Increase in total pupil numbers by 30 to 680 overall.”