A scheme to convert a former primary school on the edge of the city into new homes has been approved after more than two years in the works. 

Norfolk County Council's own property company, Repton Property Developments, put forward a proposal to turn the former Trowse Primary School into nine houses and apartments in May 2022.

Those plans would see the school and its grounds refurbished into seven one to three-bedroom maisonettes and two one-bedroom flats, as well as a car park.

The former Trowse Primary School just outside of Norwich closed in 2020The former Trowse Primary School just outside of Norwich closed in 2020 (Image: Archant)

However, the scheme prompted objections, including from Trowse Parish Council, who claimed it could put a strain on already congested roads in the village and could be considered an "over-development". 

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None of the homes would be designated as affordable homes either as the number falls beneath South Norfolk Council's threshold for them.

Efforts to push through the plans in late 2022 were further hampered because of concerns about nutrient pollution in the Broads and River Wensum.

Plans for nine one to three-bedroom properties were stalledPlans for nine one to three-bedroom properties were stalled (Image: Repton Homes)

A directive by government advisors Natural England stopped councils across Norfolk from being able to approve plans for housing within the river's catchment area.

This meant the new homes could not be built until it could be proved they would be nutrient neutral and not lead to phosphates and other nutrients flowing into nearby waterways.

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And having worked on sufficient mitigation measures in the years since, developers were finally able to have the project signed off, being given the green light last week.

The old school dated back to 1882The old school dated back to 1882 (Image: Evelyn Simak)

However, before work can begin some elements of the redevelopment must be addressed, such as the materials to be used for units eight and nine. 

This is to make sure they are in keeping with the Greater Norwich Local Plan and ensuring the "satisfactory appearance with particular regard to the site's prominent position".

The former Trowse Primary School, in Dell Loke, was closed in 2020 when a new school and nursery were built just 700 yards away, seeing the institution shuttered after 150 years.