Pleas for West Winch road decision amid spiralling costs

The move has prompted Norfolk county councillors to urge the government to make a decision on funding for the West Winch access road as soon as possible to avoid further cost hikes.

It follows the scheme going up from £84.5m to £109.2m due to a "significant increase" in the cost of diverting two high-pressure gas mains.

A graphic showing the proposed route of the West Winch Housing Access Road (Image: West Norfolk council)

The West Winch access road is needed in order for a 4,000 home development in the village outside of King's Lynn to go ahead.

It will link the A47 to the A10 in preparation for the increased traffic the homes will produce.

But NCC is yet to hear from central government how much it will contribute to the final bill for the road.

It is expected a decision will be made by October this year, having been delayed in the spring.

Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Denise Bradley)

Kay Mason Billig, leader of the Conservative-controlled authority, said: "We need the government to make a decision on this. Any delay costs us more money."

Bill Borrett, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, added: "A decision on this has been postponed all the while the government is saying there is nothing more important than building homes. I hope we get a decision in October."

Bill Borrett, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing (Image: Archant)

Cabinet members have agreed to increase its contribution by £1.4m, reaching £5.2m in total.

Updates to the business case and timescale for completion have also been agreed.

Officers say the anticipated start of construction has been pushed back, from spring/summer next year to 2026.

While the major highways project is being delayed, the housing scheme itself has taken a major step forward after West Norfolk Council approved plans for the first 1,100 homes to be built.