Next steps for Long Stratton Bypass

The development of a new bypass for Long Stratton enters a new phase this week following confirmation of the full planning permission by South Norfolk Council's for its construction, along with over 1,800 new homes, new employment land and a site for a new primary school.

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has worked in collaboration with South Norfolk Council, Norfolk Homes Ltd and Norfolk Land Ltd to develop proposals to deliver a long-awaited bypass of Long Stratton on the eastern side of the town, which will cut congestion and support the local economy.

This is a significant step towards construction as it enables NCC to now seek delegated authority from its Cabinet to submit a Final Business Case to Government, which once approved will release the vital funds needed to build the new road.

The Department for Transport previously committed £26.2 million towards its cost in granting approval of the council's Outline Business Case, back in July 2021.

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport and vice chair of Transport East said, "This is fantastic news and a most timely announcement as we review tenders to select a contractor to construct the scheme.

"The A140 through Long Stratton is a real pinch point that affects thousands of road users, and the people who live and work in Long Stratton, on a daily basis. We want to deliver this vital scheme as soon as possible to cut congestion, help the local economy and vastly improve this major regionally important route linking Norwich and Ipswich. The bypass is set to create hundreds of new jobs and homes, open up improvements for cycling and walking, and solve traffic and transport issues local people have been facing for more than a generation."

Cllr John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council said, "I am absolutely thrilled on behalf of South Norfolk residents and the whole of Norfolk that South Norfolk Council has now secured planning permission for the long awaited bypass. This is a generational achievement which will bring far reaching benefits and I look forward to work starting on the bypass next year.

"However, this hasn't been simply about securing a bypass and instead we have also granted permission for 1,800 much needed homes as well as new jobs for the area.

"This has been a strategic, regional priority for many years and the work required by South Norfolk officers and councillors alongside our many partners in order to get to this stage should not be underestimated.

"South Norfolk's central role to delivering the bypass is not limited to the grant of planning permission because we have also had a key role in securing the necessary funding for the road. This includes South Norfolk's loan to front fund the developer's contribution of £4.5m for the road."

County Councillor for Long Stratton, Cllr Alison Thomas said, "Having campaigned for a bypass for Long Stratton since 1997 I am delighted that we are finally in such a strong position to move forward. Our role now will be to ensure the project is delivered within budget and timescales to improve the safety and well-being of all those living, working or travelling through Long Stratton."

The target date for work to start on construction is Spring 2024 with an 18 month construction period and the road open to traffic by the end of 2025, subject to procurement and all statutory processes being met.