Plans to convert a derelict school into housing have moved a step closer after the government FINALLY agreed to transfer the site to the county council.
County Hall first revealed its proposals to transform the former Woodside Primary and Nursery School in Firs Road, Hethersett, into homes for people with care and support needs back in 2022.
Since then, little progress has been made and the project has been on hold while the Department for Education (DfE) reviewed the authority's change-of-use application.
But now - more than two years on - the DfE has finally announced that education secretary Gillian Keegan has granted consent to transfer the space to Norfolk County Council - with a spokeswoman confirming there is "no further school need" for the site.
Woodside Primary and Nursery School has been empty since its staff and pupils moved to new premises in Coachmaker Way in 2020.
In May last year, the building was set alight during an arson attack, with police subsequently launching an arson investigation.
READ MORE: Anger that award-winning city council homes could be sold off at cut price
The fire saw an outbuilding on the 1.3-acre site become engulfed in flames - with thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Locals reported at the time that people were regularly seen on the disused site.
READ MORE: Pleas to save bowling alley amid supermarket plans
Bosses at County Hall have declined to comment on the future of the building and playing fields, but it is understood the authority is continuing to investigate whether the site is a viable option for an affordable specialist housing scheme for local people with care and support needs.
The development would include a mix of apartments to support independent living for older people along with housing for people with disabilities.
If the plans fail to come to fruition, it is believed the county council could put the land up for sale on the open market.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel