A village school could be on the move to a new greenfield site.

Education officials want to replace Gayton Primary School, on the village's Lynn Road, with a new school on Back Street.

The idea was first suggested two years ago, when West Norfolk councillors objected to the design of buildings.

Now new plans have been drawn up for a 210-pupil school and a 52-place nursery to be built on what is currently farmland, situated on the western edge of the village.

In a planning statement, the NPS Group says: 'The site is located in a sustainable location with improvement being made to provide access to pupils from Gayton who will arrive at the site by foot, cycle or car.

'The proposed educational use would create employment and have significant social benefits providing school places.'

Planning papers say that the current school buildings, near the centre the village, are 'well beyond the end of their working lives and no longer fit for purpose'.

They say of the single-storey new build: 'The proposed design and layout of the building has been carefully considered to reflect the rural location of the site, the edge of settlement position, overall character and appearence of the area to ensure that it sits comfortably within the street scene and landscaped setting.'

Plans include a play area, sports pitch and a new parking area off Winch Road, along with staff parking spaces. The enbvironmentally-friendly building will be heated by an air source heat pump and be designed to minimise heat loss.

The planning statement says that while the area is considered to be at risk of flooding, mitigation measures including raised flooring and water storage have been factored into the design of the building.

It adds out of hours the hall would be used by guides and brownies, sports clubs and for community events.

It concludes the proposed new school is of 'an attractive appearence' and will 'help maintain and strengthen educational provision within the village of Gayton and the surrounding catchment area'.

Gayton Parish Council and West Norfolk council will both be consulted ocer the plans, which will be decided by Norfolk county councillors.