Fears have been raised that a thriving south Norfolk primary school could be blocked from further growth by an affordable housing development.Parents, teachers, and governors are up in arms after a social housing provider submitted plans for 13 flats and houses next to the primary school in Pulham Market.

Fears have been raised that a thriving south Norfolk primary school could be blocked from further growth by an affordable housing development.

Parents, teachers, and governors are up in arms after a social housing provider submitted plans for 13 flats and houses next to the primary school in Pulham Market.

A petition signed by 170 members of the Friends of Pulham Primary School (FOPPS) has been handed to South Norfolk Council objecting to the potential impact of the Saffron Housing Trust development.

The headteacher and chair of governors have also written to the district council to oppose the plans on greenfield land, off Harleston Road, which they say would restrict the growth of the Church of England school and would cause road safety and child protection issues.

The growing school, which currently has 131 pupils, is projected to have almost 150 students in two years and is bursting at the seams.

Lesley Farrer, headteacher, said a housing development to the side and rear of the school would prevent further expansion and stop the school from providing extended school services facilities.

Concerns have also been raised about the dangers of breaking the pedestrian and cycle path on Harleston Road to provide access to the proposed eleven houses and two flats.

In a letter to South Norfolk Council, Miss Farrer said: 'The school wishes to continue to develop a growing curriculum, make a positive contribution to the future welfare of the villages and provide a safe environment for the children of the Pulhams and others.'

'We believe that if this site is approved it will have a strong negative effect on pupils, staff, parents, governors and the local community.'

The Saffron Housing proposals, which were withdrawn last year, were resubmitted after it was established that there were no protected great crested newts or reptiles on the site.

The trust says that the scheme aims to provide affordable homes for local people and has been designed to minimise the issue of overlooking the school playing field. The plans are set to be discussed by a South Norfolk planning committee in September.