More than a dozen major road schemes in and around Norwich could be facing the axe - with council leaders waiting to learn if they will be blocked from spending millions.

Planned schemes such as the £4.4m Heartsease roundabout, changes to Dereham Road, a new bus lane in Ketts Hill and a new bus interchange at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital could have to be scrapped unless Whitehall officials unlock the cash.

The issue has arisen because, when the government awarded Norfolk County Council £32m through the Transforming Cities funding pot in 2020, the money needed to be spent by this month.

Projects such as the £6.1m revamp of St Stephens Street and changes to the Grapes Hill roundabout have been done, but a string of others are yet to start.

Eastern Daily Press: The £6.1m revamp of St Stephens Street in NorwichThe £6.1m revamp of St Stephens Street in Norwich (Image: Archant)

County Hall officers have asked for permission to change the delivery timescale - and are waiting to learn if that has been accepted.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "We have completed the review process with the Department for Transport for the schemes under the Transforming Cities Fund.

"These discussions were productive and we were able to provide all the information they requested. We are currently awaiting the outcome. Work to develop the remaining schemes has continued largely uninterrupted.

"We have a strong record of delivery across the projects funded by the fund, with 11 schemes delivered and two currently being built.  A further five schemes have been approved by committee."

Eastern Daily Press: Officers at County Hall have asked for an extension to the time to spend millions of pounds on road schemes in and around NorwichOfficers at County Hall have asked for an extension to the time to spend millions of pounds on road schemes in and around Norwich (Image: Mike Page)

Schemes yet to be completed, which could have to be abandoned if the government blocks further spending, include:

Eastern Daily Press: Campaigners, such as county councillor Alison Birmingham (left) have long called for action at Heartsease roundaboutCampaigners, such as county councillor Alison Birmingham (left) have long called for action at Heartsease roundabout (Image: Archant 2021)

  • Changes to Sprowston Road, Newmarket Road and Dereham Road
  • A new bus and cycle lane in Ketts Hill
  • A new bus interchange at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital