PM promises decision on link road next year

If built, the road is expected to cost £274m

A decision about a major new link road which has divided public opinion will be made next year, the prime minister has said.

The Norwich Western Link (NWL), proposed by Norfolk County Council, would complete a bypass around the city by joining the A1067 Fakenham Road to the A47.

Last year, funding for the £274m road was promised by the previous Conservative government, but no progress has been made since then.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Sir Keir Starmer promised a decision would be made next year.

The prime minister was asked about road projects and proposals for solar farms

The road has proved controversial, with objections from environmental groups, Norwich City Council and government advisers Natural England.

The prime minister acknowledged the road had been divisive and highlighted the volume of responses to planning consultations, which he said showed "how important it is to local people".

He said: "I do know the road, I do know the area and can understand why its got very different views on both sides of the argument."

He confirmed the government will make a decision about the road "next year" but insisted it would be "as quickly as possible".

Plans for the road were thrown into doubt earlier this year due to a change of rules to protect endangered Barbastelle bats.

Natural England has said the road "would destroy one of the largest remaining populations in the UK".

Questioned about general infrastructure, the prime minister said it was "very important" Norfolk received the same attention as large cities.

He added it was "important we get the roads that we need", especially in rural areas where people rely on cars.

BBC Norfolk presenter Kayleigh Poacher questioned the prime minister on a number of issues

The prime minister was also asked about the impact of large solar farms - one of the largest in the UK is being proposed in south Norfolk.

He denied suggestions by Norfolk County Council's leader that the government was "running roughshod" over local councils when it came to these decisions.

He reiterated the government's commitment to renewable energy and said the "prize was cheaper energy for people across Norfolk".

Analysis by Paul Moseley, BBC Norfolk political reporter

From a divisive link road to controversial solar farm decisions - today the prime minister insisted benefiting local people will be at the heart of decisions about new projects in Norfolk.

Sir Keir was adamant that the government “wasn’t running roughshod” over Norfolk when it comes to plans for huge solar farms in the county.

Instead, he insisted that “the prize here is cheaper energy for people across Norfolk”.

Last month the Conservative county council leader attacked the government over the projects – as it will have the final say over them, rather than local councils.

But when it came to the divisive Norwich West Link (NWL) road, Sir Keir said it was important to listen to local people.

The £274m very much remains in limbo - funding was promised by the Conservative government, but many think that will be cancelled by Labour.

Sir Keir did not comment on whether he supported financing the road, but insisted that the views of thousands of people who took part in a public consultation should be listened to.