Mr. Hubert Loftus:

I might refer to Mr. Hanly and Mr. Kelly as appropriate. Generally, in terms of new builds, they come about where the capacity does not exist in the existing school network to meet an accommodation need for children. In looking at new builds we consider whether there are opportunities on the campus site or whether we have to acquire a site separately. In acquiring a site, we link in with the development plans for the area, including the county development plans and local area plans, in reserving sites and working that through. Mr. Hanly and his team look at that quite a bit. In those sorts of areas, more often than not new communities are being developed with housing and other facilities, and schools are part of that. Obviously, in the design of those plans and working that through, thinking is done about where best to site a school that meets the needs. There is always a balance to be struck in that regard. We have to balance one set of needs against another and find a balanced solution wherever possible.

The Deputy referenced the technical guidance around sites and mobility. There is a strong and increasing emphasis on active travel arrangements and work is being done on that. The Department guidance helps to guide design teams as they design new school builds on particular sites. Obviously, there can be particular issues and circumstances at individual school and site level that dictate that solutions and workarounds have to be found. I might refer to Mr. Hanly and Mr. Kelly to comment on that briefly.