Next steps agreed for controversial Western Link Road in Norwich
The County Council's agreed to go ahead with a bid for funding from Government.
Norfolk County Council has voted to take the next steps towards building the controversial Western Link Road around Norwich.
A vote yesterday means that a main contractor will now be appointment and a business case asking for millions in funding will be submitted to the Department for Transport.
The authority wants the Government to cover the costs of 85% of the road build which amounts to ÂŁ168 million.
The road project is expected to come in at just under ÂŁ200 million in total.
The council says the road, which would link the Broadland Northway (NDR) with the A47, would boost Norfolk's economy, reduce accidents and journey times, and cut carbon emissions.
Opposition
The road is controversial though with many arguing it would have a serious impact on the environment.
Campaign group, Stop Wensum Link, argue it'll have a detrimental impact on local wildlife.
Green Councillor, Jamie Osborne, has also spoken out about the scheme:
Local Labour MP, Clive Lewis, is also against the plans, saying: "And I thought Parliament was a democratic travesty!
"Clear Norfolk County Council know the massively damaging and expensive Western Link road goes against the letter and the spirit of sustainability commitments including the UN's SDGs and the Climate Change Committee's 6th carbon budget."
What happens now?
A pre-planning public consultation will start in the autumn, with a planning application due to follow in early 2022.
If planning permission is granted, work would start in late 2023, with the road due to open in late 2025.