Norfolk County Council to provide extra funding for West Winch access road
Norfolk County Council has agreed to increase its budget to help build a vital road needed to unlock 4,000 homes after delays led to the price tag rising by millions of pounds.
The move has prompted councillors to urge the Government to make a decision on funding for the West Winch access road as soon as possible to avoid further cost hikes.
It follows the scheme going up from £84.5million to £109.2million due to a “significant increase” in the cost of diverting two high-pressure gas mains.
While the major highways project is being delayed, the housing scheme itself has taken a major step forward after West Norfolk Council approved plans for the first 1,100 homes to be built.
The West Winch access road is needed in order for the full 4,000 home development in the village to go ahead.
It will link the A47 to the A10 in preparation for the increased traffic the homes will produce.
But the county council is yet to hear from central government on how much it will contribute to the final bill for the road.
It is expected a decision will be made by next month, having been delayed in the spring.
Kay Mason Billig, leader of the Conservative-controlled authority, said: “We need the Government to make a decision on this. Any delay costs us more money.”
Bill Borrett, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, added: “A decision on this has been postponed all the while the Government is saying there is nothing more important than building homes. I hope we get a decision in October.”
Cabinet members have agreed to increase the council’s contribution by £1.4million, reaching £5.2million in total.
Updates to the business case and timescale for completion have also been agreed.
Officers say the anticipated start of construction has been pushed back, from spring or summer next year to 2026.