South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 18 Draft)

Comment

Representation ID: 2186

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Norfolk County Council Childrens Services

Since the production of the RAG assessment in March 2019 the annual intake at primary schools in the area has dropped sharply and many schools are now down to a half form entry (15 pupils/year) or less, which can be difficult to sustain. This change in position is attributed to a combination of lower birth rates and parental choice. On this basis a modest level of growth could prove to be beneficial to a number of schools within the District. New primary schools at Hethersett, Trowse and Wymondham College have eased the pressure on a number of schools that previously took overflow pupils from these areas. A further new primary school is currently timetabled for delivery at South Wymondham in 2024. A new primary school in Poringland is still a possibility if a site can be identified, although there is also now the potential to expand Trowse Primary School as an alternative option. The high costs of extending schools means this is only an option if significant development is proposed, rather if a school is operating at capacity, which can be managed through a combination of parental choice and alternative schools as many children now attend schools out of their catchment areas. Reference to a school being landlocked (or otherwise) reflects the existence of green space or the presence of existing development adjacent to the school rather than a future intention to expand the school. Some existing planning commitments will already have been taken into account in the pupil forecasting, however this usually only includes commitments with full planning permission at March 2019.