As plans for huge new housing developments in South Woodham Ferrers gather pace, concerns over the B1012 Burnham Road continue, with the pressing need for a new primary school to help limit traffic problems highlighted.

Hundreds of parents will be significantly adding to pressures of one of the busiest B roads in the county if a new primary school is not built as part of a huge new development planned north of South Woodham Ferrers.

Although a masterplan for up to 1,200 homes was passed by Chelmsford City Council last Tuesday (March 2), paving the way for a full planning application, the city council said it cannot remove the term "potential" from the plan at this stage until there is a firm commitment from the county council.

The masterplan is being jointly prepared and promoted by three main parties – Countryside, which already has an option on part of the site, ECC Property and the Speakman family, with Bellway.

Essex County Council (ECC) is now set to enter negotiations with Countryside to agree an Option Agreement on ECC's Hamberts Farm site – which extends to 116 acres. Approximately 40 acres of land is developable for housing.

ECC say the proposals for development also include the provision of a primary school, healthcare and recreational facilities for the benefit of the wider community together with road improvements, cycleways and footpaths.

County councillor Bob Massey said: "The absence of a primary school in the new development will require primary school children to have to cross the B1012 which is one of the busiest B roads in the county.

"That means that regardless of any green considerations parents will drive their youngsters to school and that will mean several hundred journeys daily across the B1012 traffic flow.

"The establishment of that primary school would reduce traffic movements and as the county councillor for South Woodham Ferrers I have already written to the cabinet member for education to support the school's foundation."

Cllr Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council said: "We can't at this stage remove the word potential because Essex County Council haven't formally put it in writing about their commitment. Clearly this council would like that.

"Because we have said that at policy board for it to be a firm commitment but we need the county council to put it in writing.

"I am sure that will happen and I know Cllr Massey will ensure it happens before a planning application comes along."