Norfolk Chamber today (Tuesday 02 June) welcomed the decision by the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, to grant development consent for the Northern Distributor Road (NDR).
Summary of the Secretary of State Decision:
The Secretary of State has decided under section 114 of the 2008 Act to make with modifications an Order granting development consent for the proposals in this application. This letter is the statement of reasons for the Secretary of State’s decision for the purposes of section 116 of the 2008 Act and regulation 23(2)(d) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2009.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“This news is another positive step toward getting the improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure which the business community has been calling for. Norfolk Chamber is delighted to hear that the Government has given the go-ahead for the NDR and look forward to work starting as the earliest possible opportunity. The NDR is not just a piece of road but the opportunity to unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area.”
Investment in the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) will help unlock thousands of jobs that are required by our young people and will provide the infrastructure to support the development ofup to 10,000 new homes. 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. It will help improve journey time reliability and has the potential to reduce traffic congestion within Norwich City Centre, again benefitting thousands of commuters and the companies they work for.
The decision has been widely welcomed by businesses in Norfolk. Below are just a few of the positive comments from Chamber members:
Jonathan Cage, Vice President of Norfolk Chamber / Managing Director of Create Consulting Engineers Ltd
“The NDR is a long overdue strategic piece of infrastructure for Norwich. The implementation of this route will unlock the potential of the employment areas to the north of Norwich; assist freeing the city centre of through traffic movements; and will generally allow better access for the growth areas in the east. It is another demonstration, following the Government’s investment in the A11, of how Norwich is being seen as a exciting place to invest, it is hoped the construction process will be straight forward and seamless and then the Norfolk businesses community can get on with process of showing a return for our local economy.”
Peter Foster, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council / Managing Director ofHugh J Boswell Ltd
“I am delighted with the positive outcome for the NDR. It is incredibly clear to me that some of the Northern aspects of our city and indeed County will benefit enormously. I know that in recent years there are certain areas that we have traditionally transacted less business for pure logistical reasons. Intuitively I believe that the NDR will transform the northern part of the city and encourage growth in areas such as Holt, Sheringham, Aylsham and North Walsham. The NDR project certainly has the support of the Board at Hugh J Boswell Ltd.”
James Mason, Commercial Director of Norfolk Training Services
“It is very good news about the NDR. As Norwich expands and develops, the distances between the various parts of the city become more difficult to bridge. This new road will connect business and its customers by enabling delivery of a more efficient service, help working families to make better use of their time and open up opportunities for employment and career progression. In fact, it feels like Norwich is coming of age.”
Richard Marks, Head of Branch – John Lewis Norwich
“The secretary of state’s decision on the NDR is a positive move. John Lewis supports the Norwich Area Transport Strategy which is so dependent on the NDR coming to fruition – removing through traffic from Norwich City Centre and increasing pedestrianisation will be of huge commercial benefit to city centre retailers.”
Gary Howard, Director of Employer Partnerships – Norfolk Educational Services
“It is good news that the NDR has now been given the go ahead. The NDR will assist with delivering economic growth. It is vital that we provide good reliable access for businesses for them to be able to effectively and efficiently operate. The Northern Distributor road will vastly improve the existing and future businesses development, enabling them to flourish by avoiding the currently congested routes; resulting in increased supply of both goods and services. Logistics plays a vital part to many businesses and the improvements to this area would encourage businesses to grow and invest in Greater Norwich; whilst improving vehicle movement on the alternative routes hence freeing up some of the more congested routes.”
Mark Proctor, Partner – Lovewell Blake
“I am pleased to hear the positive news on the NDR. The benefits to the city and wider city area will be significant. It will greatly improve transport links for the north ofNorwich, which will assist businesses togrow and enhance inward investment opportunitiesfor Norwich and Norfolk. TheNNDR will form an essential part of the overall growth in housing planned for Norwichand thereby willplay a key part in the growth of the local economy formany years ahead.”
Those objecting to the NDR have one final throw of the dice, as they now have one last chance to mount a legal challenge to this decision.
Norfolk has long lagged behind other regions in terms of investment in our infrastructure and overall the Norfolk Chamber believes that the NDR will help contribute to economic prosperity in our region. It will deliver greater accessibility, provide infrastructure for new homes and new jobs and it should be welcomed. See what the Chamber thinks on the benefits of the NDR. The NDR and the benefits itcan bring are needed now.
Norfolk Chamber was pleased to receive a letter (attached) from Claire PerryMP, the Under Secretary of Statement for Transport confirming the decision to grant the development consent. We would now call for the project to moveforward at a swift pace, with construction commencing before the end of 2015.
