A LAINDON school wants to expand to allow for an additional 210 pupils.

Merrylands Primary School, in Cumberland Drive, has applied to Essex County Council for permission to build a single storey building. The additional students will be on top of the 630 who already attend.

If plans go ahead, the expansion will include four classrooms, a design technology room and studio.

Laindon Park councillors have backed the proposals, suggesting it could widen the opportunities for the younger people from the borough.

Councillor Jeff Henry said: “Personally, I believe anything that will add to the educational choice in the area is a fantastic idea.

“We need more school places for our young residents. Laindon is quite a dense part of Basildon, so this will give parents better choice in where they want their kids to study which is so important.

“By adding these resources, it will also increase the kids’ skill set. We need this change and to give them opportunities and exposure that you can’t find anywhere else.”

However, the impact which these additional places could have to congestion in the area has been questioned.

Mr Henry continued: “My only misgiving is the effect which these extra drop-offs and pick-ups at the school will have on parking and traffic in the area.

“So many people come to Laindon to use our train line because it’s so direct, and some will park in residential areas. This all paired together could be an issue.

“The school will have to work with parents and the governing board to find a respectful balance, as the time parents drop their kids off is often the same time residents go to work.

“I’m absolutely backing these plans, but everyone needs to band together to make them work.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “We have been working with Merrylands Primary School on a proposal to expand the academy by one form of entry, 210 places, for September 2020.

“This is part of a wider strategic response to the need for additional school places in Basildon.

“An expansion of the academy would provide additional capacity in an area of increasing need, and would provide the opportunity to meet a higher number of parental preferences.”

Merrylands Primary School were unavailable for comment.