Millions more will have to be borrowed to speed up the construction of the Long Stratton bypass - because developers of a connected housing scheme are not due to make their contribution for another four years.

The government announced in 2021 that it would give £26.2m towards the cost of the two-and-a-half mile A140 bypass, only for the bill to subsequently rise from £37.4m to £46.2m.

The Greater Norwich Growth Board - a partnership of Norfolk, Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland councils - had already agreed to provide £10m from a pooled fund of a tax on developers.

Eastern Daily Press: Work paving the way for the Long Stratton bypassWork paving the way for the Long Stratton bypass (Image: Denise Bradley)

A further £6m still needs to be identified, but the developers of a 1,800-home scheme linked to the bypass, which secured planning permission last month, are due to give £4.5m.

However, council officers warned the first developer payment is not due until autumn 2027 - and Norfolk County Council wants to get work on the bypass started in spring next year.

Eastern Daily Press: There have long been calls for a bypass for Long StrattonThere have long been calls for a bypass for Long Stratton (Image: Denise Bradley)

So, the Greater Norwich Growth Board agreed at a meeting on Wednesday (September 27)  to lend South Norfolk Council £4.5m.

The committee is able, through the City Deal awarded in 2013, to borrow money from the Public Works Loan Board at lower-than-normal rates.

That will allow the work to start years before the developer has to make its payments.

READ MORE: Archaeologists survey Long Stratton A140 bypass route

Officers acknowledged it will mean South Norfolk Council will have to pay nearly £600,000 a year for each of the next 10 years in repayments and interest, although the developer repayments will go towards that.

Eastern Daily Press: South Norfolk Council deputy leader Daniel ElmerSouth Norfolk Council deputy leader Daniel Elmer (Image: Archant)

South Norfolk Council deputy leader Daniel Elmer said: "The campaign for a bypass for Long Stratton can be dated all the way back to the 1920s.

"It is a very significant moment, in terms of improving infrastructure between Norwich, Diss and beyond and unlocking another 1,500 homes."

Eastern Daily Press: Millions of pounds will be borrowed to speed up construction of the Long Stratton bypassMillions of pounds will be borrowed to speed up construction of the Long Stratton bypass (Image: Denise Bradley)

County council bosses said they hope the road can be built in 18 months, with the scheme open to traffic by the end of 2025.