Road scheme opponents question consultation timing

The western link would complete the Broadland Northway route near Norwich

Details of a controversial £247m proposed road scheme have been published, with opponents questioning the "suspect" timing in the run-up to a general election.

The 3.9 mile (6.3km) western link would connect the Northern Distributor Road, also known as Broadland Northway, with the A47 at Easton, to the west of Norwich.

Norfolk County Council's planning authority revealed details of the full planning application, which was submitted in April and published this week, triggering a five-week consultation period.

Protest group Stop the Wensum link said the timing meant the application might not get the scrutiny it should, but the council told the BBC it had a duty to determine applications in a timely manner.

'Vigorously contested'

Stephen Pearson-Jacklin, of Stop the Wensum Link, said: "Many people will be understandably preoccupied with the election which could mean that the application and the council do not get the objective scrutiny that democratic processes should allow.”

Writing on X, he said: “I find that the timing of the public consultation for the full planning application coinciding with the UK General Election to be suspect at best."

The campaign group would ensure the plan's "weaknesses" were brought to light and "vigorously contested", the post added.

If approved, the western link would complete the Northern Distributor Road around the north of Norwich.

Those in favour of the scheme, including the ruling Conservative group, have said it would reduce journey times, ease rat-running in villages and deliver economic growth and jobs.

As well as concerns about the environmental impact, opposition groups at the council have called the plans a "disastrous white elephant" amid mounting costs and called for investment in sustainable transport options.

Earlier this year, new guidance to protect bats appeared to put the plans in doubt.

A council spokesman said: "The planning application for the Norwich western link is valid and so our planning service is obliged to carry out the statutory rounds of public consultation.

“All interested parties are invited to submit their comments on this application between now and 18 July, well after polling day.”