New housing estate could strain Acle school warns headteacher
Acle Academy's head addresses parents with concerns over new homes
A headteacher has warned hundreds of parents that building a new housing estate next to a school will create an “unsustainable strain” on its resources.
Helen Watts, executive principal of Acle Academy which has more than 700 students on its roll, said it cannot accommodate more pupils amid plans for hundreds of new homes in the town.
Norfolk Homes is consulting on plans to build 135 properties on land on South Walsham Road.
The land has already been earmarked for up to 340 homes in the Greater Norwich Local Plan, which sets out where development should take place around the city – including in Acle.
In a letter sent to parents, Mrs Watts said the high school’s classrooms, dining areas and sports fields are full.
The school currently has 709 students on its register, with a maximum capacity of 711.
“Adding significant numbers of new facilities to our immediate area without expanding our school will create an unsustainable strain on our resources,” Mrs Watts said.
“Local planning policy explicitly dictates that developers must liaise with Acle Academy to safeguard land and accommodate future growth.
“We want to welcome new families to our village, but it must be done sustainably. Let’s work together to ensure our children do not lose out on the space and facilities they deserve.”
Mrs Watts added the development should not go ahead unless the developer guarantees dedicated funding for new classrooms – and urged parents to have their say.
Norfolk Homes is running its consultation on the proposals until Friday, October 30.
The developer says views from the public will form part of its planning application, which it will submit to Broadland District Council in due course.
As well as new homes, a new link road through the estate will also be created.
Parish council papers suggest more than 260 homes were built in the village between 2014 and 2023.
Controversial plans for another 100 homes on Leffins Lane were approved in October 2025.