Long-awaited bypass reaches 'important milestone'

The A509 between Wellingborough and Kettering cuts through Isham, and villagers have long wanted it diverted

Plans to build a long-awaited village bypass have reached an "important milestone", after an outline business case for the project was submitted by North Northamptonshire Council.

Campaigners have been calling for the road to be built around Isham, near Kettering, for decades.

The Conservative-controlled council said the business case was required so the government could check the project was still financially viable.

Subject to planning permission, which is expected to go to committee early next year, construction has been programmed to start in April 2027, with the 2.3-mile (3.75km) bypass opening in March 2029.

The bypass would start at the new Symmetry Park roundabout, which is being built south of junction nine on the A14.

It would run west of Isham and re-join the A509 Kettering Road midway between Hill Top and Great Harrowden.

The bypass has been on the cards since 2001, but disagreements about the route and problems with funding have delayed the project.

Council leader Jason Smithers said the bypass was one of the authority's "major priorities"

The business case seeks £4.346m from the government with £2.172m from the council, giving a total of £6.518m to get the scheme to the stage where it is ready to start construction.

Last year, the previous government said it would fully fund the build costs of the road to help unlock economic growth in the area.

Conservative Matt Binley, executive for highways, travel and assets, said: "Submitting an outline business case is an important milestone to reach for this project and I'm delighted to announce that we've made our submission to government.

"This scheme has been wanted by local residents for a very long time and we're determined to make this a reality for them."

Jason Smithers, the Conservative leader of the authority, said: "This project is one of our major priorities as a council and I'm determined that we see it through to completion."

The government scrapped a number of road projects across England in its recent Budget, including a tunnel near Stonehenge, the £50m Vauxhall Roundabout work on the Norfolk coast and the duelling of the A1 in Northumberland.