A brand new school and GP surgery could be created in Basildon if the Dry Street plans are approved.

Council chiefs have returned the 170-acre site to green belt in their vision for the district over the next 20 years and locals claim the proposals - which include 1,250 new homes - will devastate already overstretched services in the area.

English Partnerships is now looking to add a primary school to the plans to cater for the influx of residents.

An English Partnerships spokeswoman said: "The school would be added to the whole planning application when it is submitted.

"Consultations have been ongoing with residents and this has now been included in the scheme.

"The school would be for one class per year group and included if there is a demonstrable need for a school shown by Essex County Council."

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