An ambitious project to turn a primary school into a community hub has been given the go-ahead. 

Plans were revealed late last year to convert Blofield Primary School, in North Street, into a public centre with a playing field and a 57-space car park after a new 420-place school was approved to replace it. 

As work gets under way on the £12m project about 250m down the road - which will consist of 14 classrooms, a central library and a multi-purpose hall - the existing school remains in use.

Blofield Primary School will be replaced by a new 420-place school Blofield Primary School will be replaced by a new 420-place school (Image: Newsquest)

But once completed and the students moved, ownership of the North Street site will be transferred from Norfolk County Council to the parish council which intends to extend the main building and open up the playing fields with new equipment for the general public.

However, a small section of these fields would be lost to a 57-space car park, as well as spaces for three motorcycles, four disabled badge holders and 18 bicycles.

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The parish council has also suggested the development of a new access point onto Plantation Road, which would be wide enough for two cars to pass.

The £12m, 420-place new school is currently being builtThe £12m, 420-place new school is currently being built (Image: NPS / Norfolk County Council)

On Monday, Broadland District Council (BDC) approved the proposal while noting prior objections from Sport England and recommendations from Norfolk County Council planners, such as the provision of playing fields and preservation of mature trees on the boundary of the site.

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A spokesman for Blofield Parish Council previously told BDC the scheme "delivers significant social and community benefits".

Plans for the community centre show new play equipment, an extended main building and a 57-space car parkPlans for the community centre show new play equipment, an extended main building and a 57-space car park (Image: Broadland District Council)

"It will significantly enhance the provision of community facilities within a growing parish, something that is strongly supported by local residents and the parish council," they added.

The move comes as Blofield's local services, such as healthcare and education, continue to feel the squeeze from rapid population growth. 

And more than 400 homes are due to be built in the village over the next decade.