BUILDING of the long-awaited new school at Oakwood Park in Little Dunmow was given the legal go ahead last week. The project, estimated to cost about £3.9million, is being carried out by construction company ISG Jackson. A spokesman for ISG Jackson said:

BUILDING of the long-awaited new school at Oakwood Park in Little Dunmow was given the legal go ahead last week.

The project, estimated to cost about £3.9million, is being carried out by construction company ISG Jackson.

A spokesman for ISG Jackson said: "Oakwood Park Primary School will be a 210-place primary school. It has been designed to a very high environmental specification and is expected to achieve a 'very good' BREEAM industry rating.

"The building features a 'living' green sedum roof and rainwater harvesting system, which supplies water to flush toilets within

the school.

"Timber solar shading panels will be installed on the building's facade to reduce the need for artificial cooling, with under floor heating and an on site biomass boiler providing highly efficient heating."

Designed around a central courtyard, the part two-storey school has seven classrooms, open plan resource areas, therapy area, canteen and a large assembly and sports hall.

The contractor will carry out a landscaping scheme around the site and form a secure play area and car park, with the school set to open in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2008.

Liz Bennett, spokesman for Oakwood Park Residents' Association, said: "We've been told the work can now commence and we are delighted with the news. I've driven past the site each day to see if it's started but, as yet, there's no sign of activity.

"We hope it will start soon as we don't want to see the sort of delays and problems that Great Dunmow Primary School experienced."

Speaking of the on-going dispute about the lack of amenities between developers Enodis and Uttlesford District Council, Mrs Bennett told the Dunmow Broadcast: "We've had meetings with the council but they've said it's unlikely to start any legal action against Enodis.

"Therefore, we've had a meeting and we've set a date for a blockade of Oakwood Park. I can't tell you when it will be, but I can assure you that you will be informed before it takes place."

Ian Gifford, director of ISG Jackson's public division, said: "The strong environmental credentials of this new building highlight Essex County Council's firm commitment to sustainable development within the community.

"Minimising the impact of new buildings within the environment is a key government aim and it is exciting to think that pupils will be learning about environmental issues in one of the county's most sustainable new buildings."

A spokesman for ISG Jackson confirmed that building work will start on Monday July 30.