Cabinet to consider revised budget for major project in West Norfolk

Norfolk County Council's Cabinet will meet at the start of next month to consider recommendations for a key infrastructure project in West Norfolk that will also enable significant future housing growth in the area.

The paper, due to be discussed on Monday 2 September, will update Cabinet members on progress with the project and seek approval to proceed with the continued delivery of the West Winch Housing Access Road in light of a revised timeline and financial position. With Cabinet agreement, the county council plans to submit an updated Outline Business Case (OBC) to government.

The updated project cost is expected to reach £109.2m, an increase from the previous budget of £84.47m. The increase is due to a number of factors, including delays related to the statutory approvals processes and impacts brought on by the General Election, as well as a significant increase in the cost of diverting two high pressure gas mains.

The Department for Transport (DfT) are being asked to meet the majority of the project costs, subject to their approval of the Outline Business Case. There will also be a local contribution that is primarily funded by the future housing developments, which will be forward funded by Homes England.

The timeline for construction of the West Winch Housing Access Road to commence has been adjusted to spring/summer 2026, but it is still intended that the road would be opened to traffic before the end of 2027. This timeline means that it is still due to delivered before any significant housing development has taken place in the area.

Grahame Bygrave, Lead Director for Infrastructure at Norfolk County Council said: "Recent events, including the general election, have impacted our timeline for delivery and costs across the sector have continued to rise since our original Outline Business Case was developed and submitted to government. We remain committed to our 'infrastructure first' delivery of this key project and continue with our aim for it to be delivered as soon as possible and will await the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, when we hope to receive further updates from the government."

The recommendations also include an increase of £1.4million to a temporary contribution from the county council and the delegated authority to continue to progress with the planning process, procurement and land acquisition.

The planning application for the new road is currently going through the statutory process with the County Planning Authority.

The Council is continuing to work in partnership with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN) to develop plans for The West Winch Housing Access Road (WWHAR) which will serve the South East King's Lynn Growth Area (known locally as the West Winch Growth area) which will see up to 4,000 new homes built over the next 20 years.

Cabinet will consider the report when it meets at 10am on Monday 2 September. You can watch the meeting, live or afterwards, and read the reports online.