A leaky and poorly insulated school has ‘taken a step towards the modern world’.

At a district development meeting of Epping Forest District Council on Wednesday (June 8), councillors gave planning permission to initial plans for 32 homes, which will pay for a £4.5million refurbishment at Chigwell Primary Academy in the High Road.

The school - yet to be inspected by Ofsted since becoming an academy in September 2015 - is in a poor state of repair, said executive head teacher Elaine Brooke.

It was built between the 1930s and 1960s, with temporary rooms added since.

Internet drops out during rain, leaks have destroyed art displays and children need to wear coats inside during winter months, she said.

“Children have not received the best educational opportunities which should be available to them.

“We are now working tirelessly to provide the children with the education they deserve and become a school they - and the community - can be proud of.

“Unfortunately the poor condition of the building makes this difficult to achieve.”

Councillor John Knapman backed the plans, saying the school has a “desperate need… to be brought into the modern world”.

The refurbishment includes a full refit, extensions to the main block and new kitchens.

Two open courtyards will be enclosed within the centre of the school building, car and cycle parking will be increased and CCTV will be installed.

The construction of 32 detached homes will pay for the refurbishment.

They will also pay for a £2million contribution to other affordable housing, and £800,000 to local bus routes.

Meeting chairman councillor Brian Sandler gave his backing to the plans, which received seven votes for, five against and two abstentions.

Cllr Sandler said: “Anybody knowing this particular school and knowing the history of the school will know it should have been rebuilt many, many years ago.

“Essex County Council, in their wisdom, didn’t have the funds, did nothing to make this school in a better condition.

“We can’t expect anybody to come along and do the school without profiteering out of it somehow.

“If the people in the area are benefiting from a bus service and a school that is going to be suitable for many years to come, I personally think that is a very strong point that we have to take into favour.”