Long Stratton bypass final approval going to Norfolk cabinet

The two-and-a-half mile A140 bypass is set to go before Norfolk County Council’s cabinet on November 6, which will agree the final arrangements for financing the scheme which has ballooned in price from £37.4m to £46.2m.

The cabinet will also be asked to submit the full business case to the government. 

But the scheme is currently facing a £6m shortfall.

Work paving the way for the Long Stratton bypass (Image: Denise Bradley) (Image: Denise Bradley)

To address the gap County Hall is in discussions with the Department for Transport (DFT) asking them to increase the £26.2m they have pledged towards the scheme. 

The Conservative-controlled county council is in discussions with the DFT asking for an uplift in their funding. 

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If there is no uplift County Hall officials have said the shortfall would need to be "closed by relevant local authorities”. 

Graham Plant (Image: Archant)

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, said: “This is fantastic news for long-suffering commuters and residents in Long Stratton, and provides an economic boost to our whole region. 

“We’re still awaiting further details from the government following recent announcements indicating the possibility of potential uplifts in funding for major road projects, which is really helpful.

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"But the steps we are taking will ensure the road can be fully financed no matter what and this puts us in the strongest possible position to deliver this vital new infrastructure without delay.” 

Steve Morphew leader of the Labour group (Image: Archant)

Steve Morphew, leader of the opposition Labour group at County Hall, said: “Relief for Long Stratton is long overdue but the report highlights serious financial risks and no obvious means of bridging the gap.

"Initially this bypass was campaigned for to take traffic away from the town centre.  

“It has now turned into a massive expansion scheme that will change the character of the town. Cllr Plant needs to make sure residents of Long Stratton have a proper say on what other sacrifices he expects them to make to bridge that funding gap.”