West Winch residents protesting against homes scheme despite previous warnings it could hinder access road
Residents are embarking on a peaceful protest this morning as they continue to make their voices heard about plans to expand their village.
The protest will take place in West Winch from 11-11.30am today on the grass verge off the A10 at the entry to Chapel Lane.
This comes amid the West Winch Housing Access Road scheme, which is part of plans which are expected to see up to 4,000 homes eventually built in the village - as well as a range of community facilities and commercial space.
Borough councillor Alex Kemp has long been vocal with her belief that no construction of homes should begin until funding for a new access road is confirmed.
She will be joining the protesters this morning, as she did in a similar event last year.
West Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council have previously warned the campaigners that working against the original 300 homes being put up without a road in place could result in exactly that happening.
Hopkins Homes, responsible for constructing the first batch of new properties, is restricted to building 300 homes that connect to the A10 before completing further highway infrastructure – including an estate link road and two roundabouts – that provide a separate connection to the nearby A47.
A significant milestone in plans for the major new access road was reached earlier this year, as £18.39million of funding was greenlit.
The majority of the cost for the West Winch Housing Access Road is expected to come from central government through the Department for Transport’s Major Road Network fund.
Norfolk County Council submitted its latest business case to the Department for Transport towards the end of 2023, which includes a request for the majority of the projected £84million cost.
The Department for Transport funding requires a minimum 15% local contribution towards the scheme cost - with most of this coming from developer contributions, although it is not available in advance.
