A deal is being struck to sell off part of a school site for more than £2m, the Evening Gazette can reveal.

More than three acres of land at the Windsor School in Holland Road, Clacton, is in the process of being bought by developer Carl Symes for housing.

Essex County Council decided the land was surplus to education requirements.

Mr Symes told the Gazette he was in negotiation with Essex County Council but that nothing had been signed at this stage.

"I am looking to develop the land for bungalows and, once those negotiations are concluded, I hope to put in for planning permission," he added.

Mr Symes declined to put a price on the land.

Essex County Council felt that, as Mr Symes' controlled access, it was considered best to negotiate directly with him without going to the market.

It was not considered right to offer the site to Tendring Council.

But the decision has angered residents and councillors.

Pierre Oxley, who represents the St Paul's ward on Tendring Council, said the battle would now commence over planning.

Published Friday June 18, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette