A private school's bid to transform a Victorian hall has been given the green light to go ahead despite fears it would cause harm to the building and wildlife.

Several experts who have consulted on Gresham's revamp plans of Holt Hall - a former outdoor learning centre - have raised concerns.

The institution, which boasts inventor Sir James Dyson, famed composer Benjamin Britten and Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman as alumni, is seeking to make a number of changes to the Grade II-listed property.

These include plans for a new preparatory school with a music hall, sports pavilion and pitches. 

Plans for the north wing, which will sit adjacent to the property, include a reflective facadePlans for the north wing, which will sit adjacent to the property, include a reflective façade (Image: Gresham's/North Norfolk District Council)

It follows the school purchasing the Victorian property from Norfolk County Council for £4.25m in 2023.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) conservation officers said the scheme would cause a "high level of harm" to the historical significance of the property, although later changes have helped reduce this.

Historic England has said the revamp will "significantly change the character and appearance of the historic estate" and it has objected to the plans.

The plans include the creation of a sport pavilion and energy centreThe plans include the creation of a sport pavilion and energy centre (Image: Gresham's/North Norfolk District Council)

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has also urged more to be done to protect wildlife and has called for a raft of mitigation measures to be implemented to help protect woodland areas and water voles and otters.

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What Holt Hall could look like if plans are approvedWhat Holt Hall could look like if plans are approved (Image: Gresham's/North Norfolk District Council)

Neighbours to the site have also written to NNDC to complain that the sports pitches will likely disturb them due to the noise they could produce, while another fears flood lights will disturb the dark skies in the area.

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Holt Hall was sold to Gresham's for £4.25mHolt Hall was sold to Gresham's for £4.25m (Image: Archant)

Despite several objections, planning officials have recommended the scheme be approved, believing that the benefits outweigh the potential harms. 

They have said the revamp will bring Holt Hall back into use and help support a sustainable future for the property and grounds through ongoing investment and maintenance.

Councillors from NNDC will meet this week to decide whether or not to approve the plans.