A roundabout must be built before work on a new development can begin.

Allison Homes was given planning permission last May to build 450 homes along with shops, a pub and community centre on land north-west of South Wootton School, off Edward Benefer Way in King's Lynn.

The go-ahead was given subject to a number of conditions, including building a new roundabout on Edward Benefer Way "to ensure that the highway network is adequate to cater for the development proposed".

West Norfolk council said the roundabout was "a pre-commencement condition as the roundabout will serve as the access for the site during construction".

But last month, Allison applied to vary the condition. It said in a planning statement: "The construction of the roundabout will take approximately six months.

"The condition, as currently worded, would prevent any works from taking place on site during this period thereby delaying the delivery of other infrastructure and houses.

Due to the significant cost of constructing the roundabout, £1.6m-plus, it would be unviable to delay the commencement of works on site for six months whilst the roundabout is constructed. Consequently, the variation underpins the deliverability of the scheme."

Allision wanted to use an existing access to fields off Edward Benefer Way. A report to West Norfolk council's planning committee said: "It is clear that an existing access exists into the site which allows for construction to occur on the roundabout and dwellings concurrently and in a safe manner."

South Wootton Parish Council objected to varying the condition.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Bicycle User's Group warned: "As you know, HGV construction traffic is responsible for a disproportionate number of cyclist casualties nationally and I'm sure you don't want to be responsible for that effect being manifested at this site due to poor access design."

West Norfolk councillors turned down the application.