More than 20 school places for children with autism or similar conditions are set to be created in Epping Forest.

The move is part of an £85million Essex County Council investment, following an increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with autism and with a growing demand for special schools.

Around the county 400 new places will be created, although planning permission has not been granted and the council said more information about locations is not yet available.

In Epping Forest, 24 places will be made for pupils with “autism or social emotional and mental health needs”.

Education councillor Ray Gooding said: “We are committed to ensuring all children in Essex receive the best possible education and pupils’ individual needs are met.

“As with mainstream school places, demand for special school places is growing and I am delighted these exciting plans are moving forward.

“We already have some excellent special schools in Essex, with every single one in the county currently rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“However, more capacity is still needed if we are going to reduce the distance young people are having to travel to school and meet the needs of the rising number of children being diagnosed with autism in Essex.”

The investment includes £42million from the Essex Schools Forum, as well as £43million of capital funding from Essex County Council.

Forum chairman Rod Lane called it “truly great news”.

Gary Smith, a head teacher and chairman of the Essex Special Schools Education Trust, said: “This announcement is absolutely fantastic news and the result of a lot of hard negotiating.

“We hope that this investment will be a massive step towards an Essex place for every Essex child.”

Also planned for this month is an application to central government for a new 60-place school in the Harlow district for children with autism or social, emotional and mental health needs.