Planning permission sought for new school for Cringleford

A brand new school for 420 children could be built by Norfolk Council Council to support the growing community of Cringleford, if planning is approved.

The new school is proposed for land off Colney Lane on the edge of Norwich and would be a second primary school for the growing village, which is due to see around 1,300 new homes built.

The project would be funded by a contribution from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, but the majority would be funded by the County Council's Schools' Capital Programme, which ensures sufficiency of school places in growing communities across Norfolk.

Cllr Daniel Elmer, deputy cabinet member for Children's Services, said:

"This school, if approved, would be extremely welcome in this area helping to ensure local people can get their children into a local school.

"It's particularly pleasing to see the environmental standards of this new build which show the council's commitment to reaching the ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon by 2030."

Cllr David Bills, local member for the county council's Humbleyard division, said:

"A second primary school is an excellent proposition for Cringleford where our existing school is already over-subscribed.

"I know local residents already living in the area will be pleased to see additional essential infrastructure being planned to support the new people likely to be moving in over the coming years."

The site for the new school was identified as part of the original planning permission for the nearby housing development.

The proposed new school would be two storeys with car parking for staff and visitors, including electric charging spaces, and external hard and soft surfaced outdoor play areas.

The proposed design and layout of the buildings has been carefully designed to reduce net carbon in the operational energy demands of the school and respects the local area and new housing. The new building would have solar panels, passive stack natural ventilation, air source heat pumps and an all-electric kitchen.

If approved the school would be run by an academy trust and would open in September 2024.

Any academy trusts interested in running this school have until November 7 to register their interest by emailing schoolreview@norfolk.gov.uk

Planning is expected to be determined in early 2023.