Work on an urban expansion plan is still waiting for funding

The Fakenham Urban Extension scheme is due to see almost 1,000 homes built on the northern outskirts of the town.

Construction work on a roundabout - seen as crucial to allowing the rest of the project to proceed - is scheduled to begin on September 9.

But North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), which is co-ordinating the scheme, has yet to hear whether its application to Westminster for £1.4m to go towards the work has been successful.

Christopher Cushing, who represents Fakenham's Lancaster North ward on NNDC, said: "It is possible but by no means certain that the work on the urban extension will start this autumn."

The construction of the roundabout on the A148, near Water Moor Lane, is the first phase of the housing development, which will be built off Rudham Stile Lane.

The junction's price tag was initially £1.8m, which had been secured by North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council. 

However, surging inflation then saw the proposed costs soar and led NNDC to go back to the government to ask for an additional £1.4 to cover the increased costs towards the end of 2023.

Christopher Cushing has said that work could begin on September 9. (Image: North Norfolk District Council)
The council is still waiting to hear if it has been successful.

Mr Cushing said he believed the new Labour administration was reviewing the request before deciding whether or not to approve it.

He added: "Both the district and county council have worked extremely hard to make sure that everything is in place to enable this to happen. 

"However, no work will begin until the additional funding is secured. Clearly the clock is ticking," he said.

Even if the roundabout work begins, the housing scheme will have to pass other hurdles.

The developers will have to meet so-called 'nutrient neutrality' requirements to make sure the new homes do not add pollution to nearby waterways - or that if they do, the impact is offset.