A land donation could allow a school to move into a new £30million building as part of a development which will create 350 homes.

Honywood Community Science School, in Westfield Drive, Coggeshall, announced it was seeking sponsors for the ambitious project last February.

But headteacher Simon Mason announced last week that construction was “absolutely achievable” in the near future thanks to the neighbouring Marks Hall Estate charitable trust.

Mr Mason said: “Thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the trustees of the Marks Hall Estate, we have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure something truly incredible for our community.”

The proposals will see the new building created close to the current school site, with housing being built on land currently occupied by the school, plus some of the land donated by the trust.

The sale of the land for housing will allow the school to raise the £30million it needs, if planning permission is granted.

But the possibility of 350 new homes being created, which could increase Coggeshall's population by more than a quarter, has been met with opposition by many residents.

Halstead Gazette: