A beach hut theme has been put forward for the expansion for a Clacton primary school.

Ravens Academy, in Nayland Drive, Clacton, is looking to build a £1.8million new building containing six classrooms.

Under the proposals the building would be clad in colourful beach hut-style timber boarding.

The proposals will be available to view by local residents and parents during a consultation event at the school between 2.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, October 21.

Some minor refurbishment to the existing school building is also planned to enable additional reception children to be admitted in September 2016.

The works would create a further 142 places at the academy, increasing the school’s overall capacity to 420 pupils.

As well as proposed floor plans and artists’ impressions being on show at the consultation event, Essex County Council officers will be also on hand to discuss the plans.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Essex is growing fast and we are working hard to ensure we have the school places in place to meet the rising demand.

“We are planning to spend about £200m over the next five years on creating new school places across the county.

“I would urge parents and residents to have their say on the proposals for Ravens Academy by attending the public exhibition or taking part in the online consultation.”

It is hoped works will start in March 2016 and be completed by Christmas 2016, subject to the outcome of the consultation and planning permission being approved.

Karen Hammond, principal of Ravens Academy, added: “I am absolutely delighted that Ravens Academy looks likely to be able to continue to expand through this redevelopment project.

“Having achieved a ‘good’ rating in our most recent Ofsted inspection, coupled with the best results in the academy’s history, I believe this exciting project would help accelerate our journey to outstanding.”

For those unable to make the exhibition, details of the plans and a consultation questionnaire are also available on the Essex Insight web site from tomorrow until next Wednesday, October 28, when the consultation closes.