A NEW primary school planned for green belt land in Aveley is being recommended for approval.

Planning officers have backed plans for the Harrier Primary School on land adjacent to the A13 and Love Lane, concluding the need for more primary school spaces outweighs any detriment to the green belt.

The proposed development, first revealed on Thurrock Nub News in January, involves a new two-storey school building to include a teaching block and outdoor sports facilities, play areas and car parking.

The school would accommodate classrooms for the youngest Key Stage 1 children on the ground floor with the Key Stage 2 classrooms located upstairs.

The ground floor classrooms allow for access to outdoor learning. The reception and nursery outdoor facilities will be enclosed with fencing for safety and easy access for drop-off and pick-up for parents.

Both Aveley primary schools were already operating over capacity in September 2021. Aveley Primary School with a capacity for 420 children, had 462 in September and is predicted to have 447 children in 2025. Kennington Primary Academy which also has a 420-child capacity, welcomed 427 children in September and is set to cater for 479 in 2025.

A report to Thurrock's planning committee which meets next week, says: "It is considered a clear need for additional primary school places has been identified in Aveley, and as such the plans for the proposed development have been developed.

"There is an urgent need for pupil places within this area and the proposed development has been brought forward as a direct response to this need."

Four comments of objection from residents included the loss of grazing land, drainage issues, and parking/highways problems.

The site is classed as agricultural land and as such the council must establish there are exceptional circumstances that allow it to be developed.

However and assessment concluded: "there are no other available sites of the required size within the built-up area of Aveley and therefore a green belt site is the only suitable option".

If approved the application will go the Secretary of State for a final decision.

The planning committee will consider the application on Thursday, 21 April.