On a brisk autumn afternoon, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tom Bennett, the project manager at Repton Property Developments, to discuss the recently approved plans to convert the former Trowse Primary School into residential homes. The venerable institution, which had been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 150 years, had closed its doors in 2020. The journey to repurpose this historic building has been fraught with challenges, spanning over two years of arduous negotiations, objections, and numerous revisions.
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Tom arrived at our meeting exuding a palpable sense of relief and excitement. “It’s been a long time coming, John,” he said, settling into his chair with a coffee in hand. “But we’re finally here.” The initial proposal, submitted in May 2022, aimed to transform the school into nine residential units while preserving its historical architecture. “We wanted to maintain the character of the building while making it functional for modern living,” Tom explained. The project envisioned seven one- to three-bedroom maisonettes and two one-bedroom flats, complete with a car park.
However, the scheme was met with significant opposition. Trowse Parish Council voiced concerns about the potential strain on the village’s already congested roads. “It’s understandable,” Tom conceded. “The village roads are narrow, and any new development would inevitably bring more traffic.” Another contentious issue was the perceived over-development of the area. Some local residents felt that converting the school into nine homes was excessive. “We had to go back to the drawing board several times to ensure that our plans were in harmony with the village’s character and needs,” Tom said.
Adding to the complexity of the project, none of the homes were designated as affordable housing. The number of units fell below South Norfolk Council’s threshold for such a requirement, drawing criticism from those who felt the development should give more back to the community. “We understand the need for affordable housing,” Tom noted, “but the scope of this project just didn’t allow for it within the current guidelines.”
The project faced further delays in late 2022 due to concerns about nutrient pollution in the Broads and River Wensum. Natural England issued a directive that halted housing plans across Norfolk, including the Trowse project. Developers were required to prove that their plans would be nutrient neutral, ensuring that phosphates and other pollutants would not affect nearby waterways. “That was a significant hurdle,” Tom admitted. “We had to invest a lot of time and resources into environmental studies and mitigation measures.”
Despite these obstacles, the team at Repton Property Developments persevered. “It was a collaborative effort,” Tom said, smiling. “We worked closely with environmental consultants, the local council, and the community to address all concerns.” Their perseverance paid off last week when the project finally received approval. Nevertheless, there are still details to be ironed out before construction can begin. For example, the materials to be used for units eight and nine need to be finalised to ensure they align with the Greater Norwich Local Plan and maintain the site’s aesthetic integrity.
“The old school building dates back to 1882,” Tom shared, his voice tinged with reverence. “This project is not just about converting a structure; it’s about preserving a piece of history while giving it new life.” As we wrapped up our conversation, Tom reflected on the journey. “This project has been a testament to perseverance and the importance of community dialogue,” he said. “We are excited to move forward and bring something new and valuable to Trowse.”
The transformation of Trowse Primary School into residential homes is more than just a construction project; it embodies a story of adaptation and respect for heritage. While there are still steps to take before construction can commence, the approval marks a significant milestone in what has been a long and challenging process.
As I left the meeting, I pondered the future residents who will one day call the former school their home. They will reside in a place rich with history, reimagined for modern life—a testament to the enduring spirit of Trowse.
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