An impassioned plea from a Norfolk headteacher, who said her Victorian school was not big enough to fit this September's intake of pupils, helped councillors decide a new 630-pupil primary school should be built.

Eastern Daily Press: An arist's impression of the planned Attleborough Primary School in London Road.An arist's impression of the planned Attleborough Primary School in London Road. (Image: Archant)

Lucy Wayman, head of Attleborough Infant School, told Norfolk County Council's planning committee her school would swell to 344 pupils from September and she was struggling to fit them in.

She said: 'Over the last three years the number of children coming from new homes to the school has grown and grown. I have 135 four-year-olds starting in September and I have no room to fit them in.

'I have had to take computer screens out of a room to accommodate them and our hall is not big enough to fit us all in.'

She said the Norwich Road school, which dates back to the 1870s, is a 'delightful' building, but not fit for 21st century education needs.

The committee was meeting to decide whether to grant permission for a new school, off London Road, where the infant school would move.

Ms Wayman said: 'The new school gives us an opportunity to become the heart of a new community.'

Councillors had raised concerns over traffic and questioned whether parking would be sufficient.

The school would have 65 employees and the site would have 60 car parking spaces and 20 cycle spaces.

UKIP councillor Michael Baker told council officers: 'I don't think you are anywhere near the parking allocation which will be needed and you will end up with a hell of a problem in London Road, with people parking everywhere.'

But, after hearing Ms Wayman's plea, the committee unanimously agreed the application should be approved.

Do you have an education story? Call education correspondent Martin George on 01603 772468 or email martin.george@archant.co.uk