Controversial Norwich Western Link project wins government funding
The plans would see a new road built west of the city to cut congestion - although environmentalists worry it will destroy valuable habitats
Plans to build a new 3.9 mile link road to the west of Norwich have received a major boost, with the government pledging to put £213m towards the plans.
The Western Link would link the A47 with the NDR, in a move the County Council hopes will cut traffic and air pollution in Norwich.
However the scheme has faced opposition from environmentalists, who fear it would destroy valuable habitats, as well as Norwich City Council itself.
The county could also previously lacked a firm commitment on funding from central government.
Norfolk County Council's leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, said: "I’m delighted that the Government is showing its confidence in Norfolk by supporting the Norwich Western Link. This will make a huge difference to local people, tackling congestion and poor air quality.
"It enables us to complete this long overdue ring road around Norwich and unlock further opportunities for economic growth - providing more of the high skilled, well-paid jobs that Norfolk needs.
“It’s a great example of how Norfolk stands ready to deliver ambitious projects and we look forward to further Government support, a fairer share of national funding and to unlocking our great potential.”
Jerome Mayhew, MP for Broadland, said: “I am delighted that this much-needed government investment has been secured for Broadland and Norfolk.
"My Norfolk Parliamentary colleagues and I have been working closely with Norfolk County Council in Parliament to get this funding approved by HM Treasury and the Department for Transport.
"Not only will this ease traffic congestion on our local roads network, it will help bring over £200 million of national investment into our region and support access to ambitious growth plans at three major employment and enterprise hubs in Greater Norwich.
"This represents major government investment for my constituency and our wider region. I will continue to work on behalf of Broadland residents in Westminster to ensure the continued delivery of government funding for our region.”
In a statement Stop The Wensum Link, a campaign group opposed to the project, wrote:
"In the face of staggering environmental and financial costs, we question Norfolk County Council's decision to pursue the project."
"The quoted figures seem outdated, with current estimates showing an exorbitant construction cost of £400m, a far cry from the £210m funding from the government.
"Can the council truly afford to meet this difference? We fear that this will lead to unnecessary borrowing and dipping into reserves which could be better utilised elsewhere, and which we know the Council cannot afford.
"Moreover, the environmental implications cannot be ignored. This road would come at a devastating environmental cost, altering habitats and potentially threatening local wildlife, such as the super-colony of bats that have already been affected.
"The approval process is far from over and we shall continue to oppose this project at every stage as we believe it poses significant risks, both financially and environmentally."