School expansion feasibility study brief
Expansion feasibility is driven by BB103 area maths: the gross internal area you need for the additional pupils, mapped onto the existing site without breaching the playing-field standards. The planning consultant earns their keep here.
What a 1FE-to-2FE expansion needs to cover
Additional 210 places at 5.0m² per pupil under BB103 implies approximately 1,050m² of new gross internal area, plus playing-field retention, additional WCs, dining, hall and circulation [source: BB103, verified 2026-06-24]. The brief must commission a planning pre-app early because LPAs often raise objections on parking, drop-off and travel-plan grounds.
BB103 area maths in the brief
The brief should require the consultant to produce a full BB103 area schedule against the post-expansion pupil number, including the playing-field standard, identifying any shortfalls and proposing compliant or compensated solutions.
Planning pre-app inside the feasibility
For all expansion feasibility commission a planning pre-app within the Stage 0-2 scope. LPA fees vary from £500 to £8,000 depending on the LPA; expect 6-12 weeks for written advice [source: MHCLG pre-app guidance, verified 2026-06-24].
LA basic-need funding
Basic Need allocations from the DfE flow to local authorities, who in turn commission place expansions. For academy-led expansion the trust runs the feasibility but the LA carries the build-cost allocation [source: Basic Need allocations, verified 2026-06-24].
Fee envelope
Typical fee envelope £18,500-£32,500 for Stage 0-2 multidisciplinary on a primary; £24,000-£40,000 on a secondary form-of-entry expansion.