PROPOSALS for a new 75-pupil school which will cater for children with complex autism have been unveiled.

Essex County Council wants planning permission to build the new facility off Conrad Road, in Witham.

The new school would be split into 15 classes and employ about 120 staff to ensure each pupil can be taught on a one-to-one basis.

Initial estimates suggest the school will cost £8million and it will be managed by the Market Field Learning Community in Elmstead Market.

Council bosses say the new facility will be open to children across Essex aged between four and 19 who suffer with severe autism.

A 115-space car park will be built alongside the school, with space for a minibus and a drop-off area.

County Hall accepts it will lead to an increase in traffic in the area, with New Rickstones Academy, which is nearby, having more than 800 students and 120 members of staff.

But bosses have downplayed the impact it will have on the surrounding roads.”