A NEW primary school will open in Basildon to meet demand for school places, as part of a multi-million pound plan from the county council. 

Essex County Council has approved more than £20 million in funding to build two brand-new primary schools in Essex, including one in Basildon.

The Basildon Primary school will be located at the Dry Street housing development and is set to be ready from September 2024.

Kerry Smith, councillor responsible for Nethermayne, where the new school is set to be build, admitted it is a “relief”.

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He said: “It was always plan from our side to have a new school there, but I personally was always worried that the county would keep the interest and return the money back to developers.

“So, for me it is a great relief the county are going ahead with this.

“But, what I am keen to do is make sure the new primary school, falls under the nearby Lee Chapel Academy, and many of my constituents would like that as well.

“It is needed for the people in the new development as at the moment it is just house, and greenery; this is the first part of infrastructure.

“Also, after school no doubt, residents may be able to hire e the main school for activities, and social events too, which brings the community together.

“It is a good thing all round really.”

The Dry Street housing development has planning permission for 725 new homes, and with this increase in housing, demand for school places is expected to grow.

The new school will ensure more children get their preferred school place, county council bosses hope. 

It will also negate the need for families to travel out of area for school, which in turn reduces the number of cars on the roads, reduces congestion, and improves air quality.

Work is now commencing to select Academy sponsors.

Tony Ball, councillor responsible for education excellence, lifelong learning, and employability at Essex County Council said this will give children a world of opportunities.

He said: “Every child in the county deserves the same opportunities, this include having access to high-quality education.

“This school will give children in Basildon a world of opportunity and I look forward to seeing the builds progress.”