A church school could be opened on the new Beaulieu housing estate.

Chelmsford Diocese has revealed it is considering a bid for a school on the estate, which is being built to the north of the city, and is set to provide homes for 10,000 people.

Its plans are being supported by a grant of £1,997,000 from the Church Commissioners, the body which supports the work and mission of the Church of England.

The money will also be used to support the growth of the church, which has started in Beaulieu’s new community centre, as well as funding projects on new estates in Barking, Rainham and Colchester.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, said he is proud to be serving an expanding diocese and wants to make sure the Church continues to support new communities.

He said: “New housing areas should be neighbourhoods people choose to call home and raise a family, with churches and schools they love, sharing the good news of Christ and helping to build stable communities.

“This approach focuses on developing centres of worship and service to the community through people and relationships, rather than buildings.”