DIGGERS are set to be sent to knock down the majority of an Essex a local school ahead of a major rebuild. 

The Bromfords School in Wickford appears to be set for reconstruction due to issues with so-called crumbling concrete or reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete RAAC. The school states that several of the buildings are "unusable." 

Basildon Council's planning committee is due to discuss the plans on October 16, and the council officers insist the plans should be given the go-ahead. The school currently accommodates 1,120 pupils, plus 140 sixth form students. In addition, the school has enhanced autism staff and support for 16 pupils. 

 A temporary two-storey classroom block has been installed on the playing field, with planning permission approved for a single-storey temporary education block and a sports pitch while the school undergoes redevelopment.

The planning officer's report states: "The development has been designed to provide a consolidated modern education campus that responds positively to its location and represents a high-quality, sustainable development that would provide significant benefits. The proposals will also reduce surface water flood risk at the site and can be undertaken without having a detrimental impact on the amenities of neighbouring residents.

"Having regard to the above considerations, whilst a degree of disruption and disturbance is inevitable with any construction project, this can be appropriately managed to minimise adverse impacts on surrounding residents through the application of the conditions specified, such that the redevelopment of the school in the manner proposed would not be considered to [be] detrimental to the amenities enjoyed by nearby residents.

"The proposed redevelopment of the majority of the school buildings within the site is to be funded by the Department for Education, arising from the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within several of the structures, rendering them currently unusable and necessitating the redevelopment of the school to meet current educational needs. Several of the remaining school buildings are also nearing the end of their serviceable lives.

"The collaborative learning centre and a grounds maintenance building will be retained.

"Demolition is to be undertaken in phases to align with the construction and occupation of the new school buildings."