Epping Forest is set to become home to the first purpose built autism school in the world, it is claimed.

The Anderson NAS School, which will be built on the site of the former Spurs Training Ground on Luxborough Lane in Chigwell, is set to open its doors to 128 pupils in September 2016.

Last week councillors voted to approve plans for the new autism specialism school, which will be the world’s first purpose built facility for people with autism, according to those behind the plan.

The new school, which has been designed by the National Autistic Society (NAS), will be built by Essex-based construction company, Anderson Group.

The school will provide classrooms, communal areas, dining facilities, sports facilities and overnight accommodation for children and young adults between the ages of four and 25.

Peter Gross's son is autistic and welcomed the option the school will bring.

He said: “I am so pleased that the councillors have approved this.

“The lack of an autism specialism school has been the ‘missing piece of the jigsaw’ in Epping Forest, and it’s really good to know that I’ll have it as an option for my son when he gets to secondary school age.

“We parents need a helping hand while we struggle to do the best for our children.

“I feel that the councillors, and the local community in Chigwell, have just said to us ‘yes, we’d like to help by having an autism school here.’”

Chairman of Anderson Group Mark Anderson said: "We have undertaken a lot of work with the National Autistic Society over the past five years. 

"I feel it’s so important that we should do whatever we can to help children with autism - and their families – and give them the best possible education and life chances."