New road that can 'unlock' thousands of homes could cost millions more

This picture shows what the access road would look like

A road project that will enable thousands of new homes to be built has been given planning permission.

The 3.5km (2.1 miles) West Winch Housing Access Road will serve up to four thousand new homes planned for land south of King's Lynn.

Norfolk County Council said construction should begin in Winter 2026 and take between 18 and 24 months.

It added that the project's budget could increase to £121.7m due to a rise in costs to divert two gas lines on the route.

Plans showed that the road will have five roundabouts providing links to the A47 in the north, the A10 in the south, and three others to accommodate connections to future housing developments.

The project's budget has previously increased from £91m to £109m, but the authority warned it could go up again.

It said more money may be needed after National Gas Transmission (NGT) more than doubled its quote for works to divert high-pressure gas lines.

NGT said technical challenges had been uncovered during the project.

Councillor Graham Plant said the situation was "tense" and negotiations on price and potential alternatives were ongoing

Work is already underway to build the first tranche of new homes the road would serve at West Winch.

Graham Plant, leader of the council, highlighted the time pressure on the project.

"They [NGT] need to do the work in the summertime when the gas demand is low, can't do it in the winter," he said.

"So we need to get this done by next summer to allow us to get in there and build the road and have it completed by 2028."

He said the situation was "tense" and negotiations on price and potential alternatives were ongoing.

The Department for Transport allocated up to £91m for the road project, with additional funding coming from Homes England.

But the rising cost of the gas works would leave a shortfall of about £12m.

James Tattershall, National Gas major programmes director, said more complex engineering and technical challenges had emerged in the project, leading to an increase in estimated costs.

He said: "Our priority is always maintaining a safe, secure gas network for the benefit of everyone while doing our best to meet the needs of local communities at as low a cost as possible.

"We understand the importance of this project to the local area and are working closely with all partners to explore options to deliver the necessary diversions as cost-effectively as possible."

Map showing the route of the planned access route linking the A10 and A47

As part of the road project, the Hardwick Roundabout will be reorganised.

The new road runs close to several designated county wildlife sites, including Sheep's Course Wood, which are areas of land identified as important for wildlife but not protected by law.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust previously objected to the project and made a number of recommendations to mitigate its impact.

The plans were also opposed by both West Winch and North Runcton parish councils.

However, West Winch county councillor Alexandra Kemp said the new road "will improve road safety for all users and alleviate chronic congestion on the current A10".