Proposals to build a £1.65m roundabout at a crash blackspot look likely to get the green light - despite the harm it will cause to the setting of nearby remains of a medieval priory.

Plans for the new roundabout at Hempton, near Fakenham, were unveiled two years ago, with Norfolk County Council wanting to install it at the junction of Dereham Road and Hempton Green Road.

The roundabout would replace the current crossroads, while new and improved paths and crossings for pedestrians would be provided.

But, during the council's consultation over the plans government advisor Historic England raised concerns about its impact on the nearby remains of St Stephen's Priory.

Eastern Daily Press: A new roundabout is mooted for HemptonA new roundabout is mooted for Hempton (Image: Google Maps)

The organisation said construction of the roundabout would result in a very high level of ‘less than substantial harm’ to the Hempton Conservation Area and to the setting of the priory.

St Stephen's Priory, which dates from about 1200, has almost completely disappeared, but some foundations and earthworks remain, which have been listed at Grade II.

Historic England said, despite the harm it would cause, the highway safety improvements "constitute a high level of public benefit".

Officers at the organisation said they were of the view a 'clear and convincing justification' for the level of harm had been made, and they would not object.

From 2016 to 2020, there were three ‘serious’ crashes and three categorised as 'slight' at the junction.

Members of the county council's planning committee will weigh up on Friday (January 27) whether the need for the roundabout outweighs the harm, with officers recommending that they grant permission.

They said: "The proposed development will deliver public benefits which, on balance, are considered to outweigh the harm caused to the designated heritage assets and
landscape character.

"The roundabout will minimise traffic congestion that currently backs up on the Dereham Road (east and west) of Hempton Green Road whilst queuing for entry and improve the current safety issues identified at the junction."

If the project does get planning permission, the council will still need to secure Scheduled Monument Consent before work could start.

During the first consultation, Hempton Parish Council objected, raising concerns over flooding, noise and fumes, although no response was received to the second consultation.