Angry residents have vowed to fight plans to build 350 homes in a deal that would also see a school move into a new £30million building.

Honywood Community Science School, in Coggeshall, first revealed it was seeking sponsors for the project last February.

Headteacher Simon Mason then announced in March that the project was “absolutely achievable” thanks to support from the neighbouring Marks Hall Estate charitable trust.

The proposals would see a new school building created near the existing site, with housing being built on land currently occupied by the school, plus some of the land donated by the trust.

A formal planning application has yet to be submitted but some residents have raised concerns, with a campaign group, Coggeshall Community Action Group, now formed to fight the proposals.

A petition has been started and letters sent to the school, the trust and MP Priti Patel.

Chairman Martyn Lucas, of Tilkey Road, Coggeshall, said members were waiting until after a meeting of the school’s governors on Thursday, where the plans were due to be discussed, before deciding what action to take.

Mr Mason said he expected to be in a position to make an announcement after half term.

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