EDUCATION bosses are drawing up proposals to build new schools in a Hampshire borough.

Hampshire County Council is working on proposals to build primary schools at Chestnut Avenue in Eastleigh and at Boorley Park in Botley.

Plans are also being developed for either an all-ages school at Chalcroft Farm in Horton Heath, or a primary school at Chalcroft Farm and a secondary school at Woodhouse Lane in Hedge End.

Councillor Peter Edgar, the council’s executive member for education, confirmed the planning applications for a primary school for up to 315 children at Chestnut Avenue and one for up to 420 children at Boorley Park are due to be submitted in spring 2018.

He added: “There is a growing demand for school places in Eastleigh borough, and we are proud to be continuing our strong track record in planning for the future by ensuring children have quality school buildings in which to learn and thrive.

“Both schools will have new facilities including a hall and playing fields, and will provide excellent spaces for children to enjoy their education and achieve their goals.”

If plans are approved, the schools will be built at sites earmarked for major housing developments.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, 1,100 new homes plus a community building, care home, retail and office buildings and car parking are set to be built at a site south of Chestnut Avenue and west of Stoneham Lane in Eastleigh.

Permission for 1,400 new homes and community sports facilities in Boorley Green, Botley was also granted in 2013.

The county council has not revealed the cost of the new schools yet but Cllr Keith House, council leader at Eastleigh Borough Council, said the schools will be funded by the borough council which will get the money back from the developers later in the process.

He added: “We have put money into the scheme ourselves which we’ll get back later in the process to make sure that the schools and infrastructure can be built early.

“We in Eastleigh have been working very closely with the developers to make sure schools are built quickly.”