Norfolk A47 schemes set for High Court legal battle

The future of the Thickthorn roundabout revamp and whether dualling of the A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham and Easton to North Tuddenham hinges on the decision of Mrs Justice Thornton.

The A47 between North Tuddenham and Easton (Image: National Highways)

Starting at the High Court in London today (Wednesday, May 10), she will hear the arguments of lawyers acting for environmentalist Andrew Boswell.

Andrew Boswell (Image: Archant)

Dr Boswell, a former Green city and county councillor, argues the decisions by consecutive secretary of states to grant permission for the road schemes were unlawful.

If Dr Boswell's challenge is successful, the projects could be scrapped, or sent back to the drawing board - which could have a huge impact on other roadbuilding plans across the UK, including the Western Link, near Norwich.

He argues the impact of carbon emissions from the schemes has not been properly addressed, with the cumulative effect of all of them not considered.

The hearings are expected to last two days, although a verdict on whether the decisions were lawful or not is likely to be some weeks or months away.

The challenge has meant National Highways - the government company with responsibility for major A roads including the A47 - has not been able to begin construction at the three locations.

The Thickthorn roundabout (Image: Mike Page)

The plans for Thickthorn include a new slip road off the A11 northbound, which will take motorists beneath both roads before re-joining traffic on the A47 heading towards Great Yarmouth - eliminating the need to use the roundabout.

Just over 1.6 miles of the road between Blofield and North Burlingham - considered a crash blackspot by police - are due to be dualled.

And five-and-a-half miles of the road between Easton and North Tuddenham are also due to be dualled.

*We will be bringing you updates from the case from the High Court in London.