A rapidly expanding south Norfolk town could get a new primary school on its outskirts to help meet the needs of its growing population.

The new 420-place school is planned for Silfield, near Wymondham, south of Rightup Lane.

The site is needed to help address the lack of school places in the area, which has undergone significant population growth in recent years.

A planning statement submitted to Norfolk County Council said: “At present, there is significant pressure on places at existing schools and there is no primary school in the south of the town where large new housing is being delivered.  

“Therefore, this is a suitable location for a new primary school, which will reduce pressure for travel to existing schools in the town.” 

Around 1,500 homes are planned or being built in Wymondham, including 1,230 houses in the south. 

The town's three primary schools are already stretched.

Norfolk County Council has previously said new housing, coupled with in-year admissions from children moving to the area is "a cause for concern".

Along with the new primary school, the future expansion of Wymondham High Academy is also being planned.

It is expected new pupils will come into the new Silfield school gradually, with the initial intake covering just early years and key stage one pupils.

Over five to six years the school is expected to expand to fully cover reception to year six.

Along with the school building, a play area, a 60-space car park and a field are included in the plans.

Solar panels on the roof and electric vehicle charging points are also planned.

While some Wymondham residents have written to County Hall's planning department with concerns the scheme could add traffic to the area most comments are in support.

One said: “We need this school urgently due to the new Silfield estate and ongoing house building in Wymondham.”

Another said current schools are "overflowing" and they "absolutely support" the scheme.

Wymondham Town Council has also supported the application but has raised a "small number of concerns". 

These include the need for a space to drop off pupils, flashing speed awareness signage outside the school and a new light-controlled crossing.

The planning statement said there will inevitably be additional traffic, mostly from staff, but this will have been considered in the wider housing development.