Norwich Western Link flooding concerns spark new objection

Government organisation The Environment Agency has joined government advisors Natural England in objecting to Norfolk County Council's controversial plans for the 3.9-mile-road.

Officers at the agency objected to the Conservative-controlled council's road proposal because information provided by County Hall does "not provide a suitable basis for assessment to be made of the flood risks arising from the proposed development".

The agency also objected on waste management grounds, saying the council's plans for how to deal with material created during the road's construction are not adequate.

The agency lodged its objection as part of the planning process for the road, which would connect the Northern Distributor Road to the A47 west of Norwich and includes a viaduct over the River Wensum.

A county council spokesperson said: "These responses have only just been published and we need some time to consider them, alongside all the other feedback provided through the consultation.

"We will continue to work with the planning authority to respond to issues raised by consultees."

The council has received more than 4,800 comments as part of the planning process.

Natural England's objection is related to the rare barbastelle bat colony on the road's route - one of the UK's largest populations of the protected mammal.

The organisation said it was not convinced the mitigation suggested by the council, including green bridges and underpasses, would prevent harm to the bats.

But the road has also received backing.

In its submission to the planning process, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: "The Norwich Western Link will support many of Norfolk's key industries including agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, by reducing journey times and transport costs, opening up new markets.

"The future growth of Norfolk is reliant on us being able to build houses, create jobs and economic prosperity and it all relies on having reasonable road infrastructure across Norfolk - which the Norwich Western Link will help provide."

Norfolk County Council's plans for the Norwich Western Link have triggered objections (Image: Mike Page)

County Hall has applied to its own planning committee for permission for the road.

But there is pressure for the matter to be "called in" for consideration by a planning inspector, which could leave the final decision in the hands of government ministers.