Expansion to Holly Meadows School in Pott Row delayed as rare great crested newt believed to be living on site

Usually, finding one of the country’s rarest creatures would be good news - but for a school, it has only caused disruption.

Plans to build a new standalone Special Resources Base (SRB) at Holly Meadows School in Pott Row were lodged by Norfolk County Council back in January to provide support for up to 16 children with special educational needs and disabilities.

However, progression has been put on hold as ecologists now believe that the site could be home to the UK’s biggest and rarest species of newt, the great crested.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The planning timeline was revised following an ecologist’s report, which required further investigation about the presence of great crested newts on the site.”

The amphibian, which can be identified by its spotted sides and orange belly, is a protected species and of international importance.

According to The Wildlife Trust, it is very particular in its requirements, and will travel up to a kilometre to find the right pond - so if it is in an area, it is a great indicator of the health of a water source.

The council has said that work is being done to make sure construction will take place with “appropriate action”, and proposals have now been submitted for agreement.

“New builds on existing school sites are complex and each one has its own specific issues, which may require specialist reports, according to the nature of the site of the proposed build,” the spokesperson added.

“We are pragmatic about this and always use our best endeavours to progress our plans at pace.”

The council anticipates it will be able to move forward with planning consent within two weeks.