Plans to build housing remain on hold for a derelict school that was set alight during a suspected arson attack, it has been confirmed.

The former Woodside Primary and Nursery School in Firs Road, Hethersett has been empty since its staff and pupils moved to new premises in 2020.

Norwich Evening News: The site has been empty since the school moved to Coachmakers Way in 2020The site has been empty since the school moved to Coachmakers Way in 2020 (Image: Peter Steward)

And despite Norfolk County Council revealing plans last year to sell off the site's 1.3-acre playing fields to make way for affordable housing, little progress appears to have been made.

But the authority has now confirmed it is awaiting approval from the government's education secretary, Gillian Keegan, to dispose of the playing fields - before later being sold to a developer in order to establish affordable homes for people with care and support needs.

Norwich Evening News: The site was the victim of a suspected arson attack last weekThe site was the victim of a suspected arson attack last week (Image: Sydney Jones)

The development would include a mix of apartments to support independent living for older people along with housing for people with disabilities.

If the plans fail to come to fruition, it is believed the county council could put the land up for sale on the open market.

The update comes after an outbuilding at the former primary school was set alight during a suspected arson attack last week.

The incident was the latest derelict site in the Norwich area to have been the victim of suspected arson - with Hellesdon Hospital and the former Oasis Sports and Leisure Club, Pinebanks and Langley Preparatory School sites in Thorpe St Andrew all meeting a similar fate in recent years.

"We never like to see buildings go to waste," said Kathryn Cross, South Norfolk district councillor for Hethersett.

"I hope another use [for the school] is found soon."

Norwich Evening News: The former Langley Preparatory School site in Thorpe St Andrew was also the victim of an arson attackThe former Langley Preparatory School site in Thorpe St Andrew was also the victim of an arson attack (Image: Archant)

Speaking after the initial development plans were revealed, county councillor for Hethersett David Bills said: "There is a definite need for this type of development.

"I am largely supportive and looking forward to hearing more about the scheme through meetings in the coming week or so."