Change of use (Class E) to Educational Centre Use (Class F1-A) and new signage granted planning permission

Change of use (Class E) to Educational Centre Use (Class F1-A) and new signage granted planning permission

Planning permission from Use Class E to F1a requires planning permission and there are no permitted development rights. 4D Planning have over a decade of experience obtaining planning permission for our clients from retail units to educational centres, specifically Mathnasium Tuition Centres around the UK. We have been selected as the preferred planning consultants to assist the franchise businesses and our track record of successful projects speak for themselves. 

About Mathnasium UK (Use Class F1a)

The choice to open a Mathnasium facility in a designated town centre is deliberate. Mathnasium's across the UK have demonstrated that such locations are crucial for successful operations, as they allow parents to utilise high street services while their children receive tuition. This convenience is vital given the regularity of the tuition sessions.

To provide some background on this sector, Mathnasium commenced operations in 2002 and has evolved into a global brand with over 1,000 centres across 15 countries. Mathnasium provides supplementary mathematics education to children aged 6-16, offering an experience distinctly different from traditional school education. Mathnasium centres are designed to be markedly different from typical educational establishments, with the goal of creating an enjoyable environment that makes children eager for their tuition sessions.

The "Mathnasium method" of instruction has a track record of success. It begins with an initial assessment to identify a child's areas of weakness, followed by the creation of a tailored learning plan. This plan allows children to progress at their own pace with the support of trained instructors. The results from the learning program are uploaded to the Mathnasium system, ensuring that subsequent sessions target areas needing improvement. Additionally, children engage in math games and puzzles that foster a positive learning attitude.

Children attend the centre for sessions lasting 60-90 minutes. Parents are encouraged not to stay on the premises to avoid distracting their child and are asked to return at the end of the session for pickup. This requirement influences the selection of location for the premises, which is evaluated based on the suitability of neighbouring businesses as places where parents can spend time. Desired nearby facilities include supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. Mathnasium customers have expressed a preference for certain types of retailers to visit during their child's session, such as cafes, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, gyms, hair salons, beauty parlours, clothing stores, and children's apparel shops.

Calverley Street's retail demographic closely aligns with that of Mathnasium's other locations, making it an ideal choice. The area boasts a variety of schools within walking or cycling distance, such as St. James C of E Primary School, The Wells Free School, and Claremont Primary School, which complements the Mathnasium business model due to its advantageous location.

About Mathnasium UK and how it operates

Mathnasium UK centres typically range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. Operating on a membership model similar to a gym, students usually attend 2 to 3 times weekly, staying for 60 to 90 minutes each visit. Generally, the number of enrolled members is about six times higher than those attending at any given time, due to multiple sessions offered daily, allowing for more members than the available seating. With efficient scheduling, it's expected for about 80 students to pass through the doors daily once the centre reaches full capacity, with a maximum of 40 students on-site simultaneously.

Mathnasium Centres around the UK

Currently, there are over 20 Mathnasium centres in the UK, with additional locations planned. Research indicates that the business model is resilient to weather extremes or shifts in fashion trends; the demand for supplementary
education is growing, with parents increasingly prioritising it over other discretionary expenses. In markets where Mathnasium is well-established, like the US and Canada, the "Mathnasium effect" is recognised by retailers who observe increased foot traffic near centres, as parents tend to spend an hour or more in nearby businesses during their children's sessions, typically two to three times a week.

Mathnasium centres are lively and active, regularly engaging in community outreach with fun maths-based activities, connecting with local parents and businesses, and establishing themselves as a valuable community assets.