UP to 1,200 new pupils could be squeezed into two bursting schools as Wickford prepares for a surge of new homes.

Peter Holliman, Ukip councillor for Wickford North, has demanded answers following predictions between 700 and 1,200 new school places need to be created at Hilltop Infant School and Hilltop Junior School, in Hill Avenue, and Beauchamps High School, in Beauchamps Drive.

Essex County Council has ruled out building a new school, meaning extensions or portable cabins will be needed.

Mr Holliman said: “The schools are torn between expanding class sizes or employing new teachers. We’re going to be losing a lot of green space at our schools.”

Basildon Council has earmarked space for about 2,800 homes in Wickford until 2031.

A spokesman at County Hall said: “We are engaging with schools in the Wickford area to strategically plan for additional places to meet a predicted shortfall.

We are still in the exploratory stage and no decisions have yet been made.”

It comes amid fears services are reaching breaking point after nearly 200 homes moved one step closer to being built in the borough.

Basildon Council is hoping to sign contracts with Redrow Homes so work can start on the controversial development of 135 homes in Ballards Walk, Laindon, at the start of the new year.

Bosses have chosen the local firm, based at Southfields Business Park, Laindon, to build the two, three and four-bedroom houses.

A Government planning inspector has also given the green light for Shotgate Trading Estate, off Bruce Grove, near Wickford, to be flattened to make way for 49 new properties.

While accepting the need for more affordable housing in the area, Ukip councillor Peter Holliman, who represents Wickford North, said the infrastructure simply cannot cope.

He added: “Some of the buildings were in a bad state of repair, but the trading estate was providing work.

“They are going to put a whole heap of houses there, but there has been no thought about the additional pressure on gas, electricity, water and sewage.

“Bruce Grove is already cramped and now there is going to be a minimum of 50 extra cars to fit in. And where are the children going to go? Our schools are already full.

“People think Ukip as a party is against additional housing, but we just want to see planned housing. I think the infrastructure should be sorted out before planning permission is granted.”

Basildon Council has recognised the need for improved healthcare services to cope with demand from the Ballards Walk development, and the Knight’s Surgery could move to a new, larger practice complete with GP training facilities.

Nigel Smith, deputy leader of the Labour group and ward councillor for Lee Chapel, fought to stop the playing fields being sold off for housing.

He said: “There are real issues concerning traffic in that area that haven’t been addressed.

There is already a lot of congestion, and it simply isn’t fair on the local residents.

“There isn’t the infrastructure, and there are problems concerning schooling and doctors.

The council is just shoving too many homes on already built-up areas. This isn’t about providing homes for local people, it’s about the council making money to pay off Basildon Sporting Village.”

The £7.5million from the sale of the Ballards Walk land would help Basildon Council recoup all of the £23.5million it borrowed to build the facility.

New homes for council tenants

HOUSING bosses insist the Ballards Walk development will provide housing for local residents with a range of needs.

Some of the 135 houses will be made available for council tenants or those looking to get on the property ladder, while others will be spacious, executive, aspirational homes.

Basildon Council carried out an extensive tender process with several interested parties to get the most value from the sale of the land, at the junction of Upper Mayne and St Nicholas Lane.

Councillor Richard Moore, cabinet member for planning, said: “Ballards Walk is a fantastic development, providing homes for our Basildon residents.

Redrow will deliver a mixed tenure of aspirational homes designed to suit a range of needs in our community, including much-needed homes for our council tenants.”

Keith Parrett, regional chief executive of Redrow, added: “We’re keen to start the Ballards Walk development.

“It will complement the wider regeneration of Basildon, featuring a varied mix of properties which will appeal to a range of buyers and include affordable homes to meet local need.”

Local schools will not be able to cope

BASILDON Council’s cross-party planning committee turned down outline proposals for Shotgate Trading Estate a year ago because of a lack of parking and concerns about the loss of employment facilities.

The decision was overturned by Government planning inspector Ian Radcliffe because the units are in a poor state of repair.

Four of them have been empty for up to three years while Nibs Buses hopes to relocate and the neighbouring double glazing factory plans to relocate.

Mr Radcliffe admitted local schools would not be able to cope, but deemed there was an overriding need for affordable housing.

An agreement will be drawn up with developer Panther Trading to help fund local schools provision. The scheme is for 22 two-bedrooom and 27 three-bedroom houses.