PLANS for the first all- through school in Essex have been approved.

Essex County Council is proposing a primary and secondary school at the same site on the new Beaulieu Park development, to the north of Chelmsford.

The plans include a school campus, made up of a 1,200-place three-storey secondary school, a 420-place two-storey primary and a 56-place single- storey nursery.

There will also be a sports hall with hard and soft play areas, as well as parking for cars, bicycles and scooters.

There will be access for vehicles from Armistice Avenue and pedestrian access via Beaulieu Square.

As part of the eco-friendly ambitions of the new estate, the county council has insisted the developers include 300 bike rack spaces at the secondary school and spaces for 100 scooters and 40 bikes at the primary school.

Roy Whitehead, leader of Chelmsford Council, said he welcomes the news.

He added: “From the point of view of Chelmsford City Council we had the control in terms of making sure that not only news homes were built but a new school as well.

“Essex County Council took the plans further by considering an all-through school for the site.

“I do not know much about all-through schools but it looks positive and beneficial.

“I think it will help with having to transfer children across the city for school - ing.

“I also think it helps to show residents that development can be a good thing and that it is essential, something I am always speaking with residents about.”