Norwich northern bypass given government backing

The bypass will run from the A47 junction at Postwick to the Fakenham road

Norwich's northern bypass has been granted development consent from the government.

The northern distributor road (NDR) is planned to run from Postwick on the A47 and go around the east and north of the city, to connect with the A1067.

Norfolk County Council said it was a "huge stride forward" and that work could start by the end of the year.

But campaigners say the road will not solve traffic problems and will "damage the quality of life" for local people.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin granted consent for the 20km dual carriageway, which will cost about £148m.

George Nobbs, Labour leader of Norfolk County Council, said: "There are other hurdles to clear, including finalising construction pricing and funding approval, but the secretary of state's announcement brings us significantly closer to starting work."

'Lost opportunity'

The council said consent was subject to there being no legal challenge in the next six weeks.

Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said she was "delighted" with the news and that the road would "unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area".

"It will open up the north east sector of Norwich, including Norwich International Airport, which will benefit a broad spectrum of the business community, from transport and logistics through to retail and tourism," she said.

However, the Norfolk and Norwich Transport Action Group, said the bypass would have a negative impact on the environment and encourage more people to drive, rather than use public transport.

Councillor Andrew Boswell, Green Party, said Norwich had "lost the opportunity to be a visionary, low carbon city".

"Generations to come will question why this government promoted such irreversible destruction in Norfolk for a mirage of short term, but undeliverable, material gain," he said.