The continued development of a playing field and park in a rapidly growing city suburb has hit a stumbling block, leaving locals exasperated.

Shelley Reeve, 35, says the green space behind White House Farm Primary School in Sprowston, which is part of a 1,300-home development, is so overgrown that families can't use it. 

The land is managed by Persimmon Homes which is responsible for its upkeep, but tall grass, dense weeds and overgrown equipment have left it "unsightly and inaccessible". 

The playing field next to White House Farm Primary School in Sprowston is unsuitable for use, Shelley Reeve has saidThe playing field next to White House Farm Primary School in Sprowston is unsuitable for use, Shelley Reeve has said (Image: Shelley Reeve)

"We waited years for the playpark to open and we were so delighted when it did, it's a lovely space and is often full of children," Shelley, who has lived in the area for eight years said.

"However, the adjoining field where children used to play football or have picnics is so overgrown you can't use it.

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"The playpark itself is also overgrown with weeds. It's a real shame."

And Persimmon admits it may have dropped the ball. 

The school and its field several years ago (left) and how it is todayThe school and its field several years ago (left) and how it is today (Image: Google Maps)

A spokeswoman said: "We are aware that the playing field in Sprowston has become overgrown and we are working with our contractors to ensure this area is maintained on a regular basis in future.

"Maintenance teams are due to visit this week, weather permitting, to cut it back."

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With the park being finalised earlier this year, Shelley and her neighbours expected it to be ready for use by the burgeoning population.

The field was once used for football and picnics but it is too overgrown nowThe field was once used for football and picnics but it is too overgrown now (Image: Shelley Reeve)

"The community would 100pc benefit from having this resource," she added. 

"It would be used a lot but not in its current state. Something needs to be done." 

It comes soon after new plans were revealed for another 450-home development just over the road which is part of a greater plan to build 7,000 new homes for the area by 2026.