Over the past couple of years across the country the tension between the falling numbers in schools and the shortage of family housing has been simmering away. Brighton and Hove are the latest authority to be forced to close schools. The closure of St Bartholomew’s CofE Primary and St Peters Community Primary Schools, echoes this national trend: falling school numbers amidst a pressing need for more family housing. Though part of the explanation is due to falling birthrates but the wider reasons rest on educational funding models, and urban planning challenges.
School funding is tied to pupil numbers, undersubscribed schools face unsustainable financial pressures. Brighton and Hove, has experienced a birth rate decline three times steeper than the national average, therefore it is predicted that the need for primary school places will be just 1,700 by 2027, against a current capacity of 2,500​​. This "crisis point," as described by Councillor Jacob Taylor, reflects a nationwide challenge, with similar school closure programs underway in London boroughs like Southwark, Havering, and Westminster.
Parallel to this educational quandary, a housing crisis exacerbates the issue, with a stark lack of affordable family homes contributing to declining school enrolments. This helps to explain why cities such as Brighton and Hove are witnessing a steeper decline in births as young families decide to look elsewhere for cheaper family homes. The recent debate in Brighton and Hove's Planning Committee following the school closures vividly illustrated the interconnectedness of these crises. The discussion highlighted a dire need for housing that accommodates families, amidst a landscape where planning constraints and the demand for smaller units like flats do not align with the needs of potential residents seeking family-sized homes​​.
This juxtaposition of closing schools and the pressing need for more family-oriented housing reflects a broader disconnect in urban policy and planning. The case of Brighton and Hove, a city constrained by its geographical location between the sea and the South Downs National Park, presents a microcosm of the challenges faced by urban areas across England. The scarcity of strategic sites for large-scale housing developments necessitates innovative thinking and a commitment to integrated planning that considers the full spectrum of community needs, from education to housing. Since the Labour administration retook power in May of last year not one single major site has been allocated.
The emphasis on delivering housing that meets the diverse needs of communities, particularly those suitable for families and young people, suggests a recognition of the need for a holistic approach to urban development. This includes giving increased weight to housing delivery in planning decisions, especially in areas struggling to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply​​.
Yet, as we contemplate the future of cities like Brighton and Hove, we are reminded that the solutions to these challenges are as complex as the problems themselves. It requires a delicate balance of interests, a deep understanding of demographic trends, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity in urban planning. The closures of St Bartholomew’s and St Peters may be a sign of the times, but they also serve as a call to action, urging policymakers, planners, and communities to come together in crafting a vision for the future that addresses the educational and housing needs of all residents.
The lessons learned in Brighton and Hove can inform broader strategies for managing the delicate interplay between school infrastructure and housing policy. The goal must be to ensure that as cities evolve, they do so in a way that supports vibrant, diverse communities where families can thrive, children can learn, and the communities can be strengthened for generations to come.
Geri Silverstone – CEO and Founder of Silverstone Communications. Geri is also the Chair of Governors at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove – the largest Catholic School in the country.