The 6 week legal challenge period, following the granting of the Development Consent order by the Secretary of State, Patrick Mcloughlin, has now passed without any challenges being received. This now means that work can start on the £148.5 million Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR). Norfolk County Council has revealed that initial work will start on the NDR in mid October. The route runs for 12.5 miles from the A1067 Fakenham Road at Attlebridge to Postwick on the A47.
A Norfolk county Council spokesperson said: “The courts have confirmed that there have been no legal challenges made, which is positive news. It means the next step is to secure full funding from the Department of Transport and final approval from councillors.”
“We anticipate that initial work will start on site around mid October. This will be in the form of utility diversions and some advance environmental and archaeology works. The main road and bridge construction work would start on site in February/March next year, with all construction expected to be completed in December 2017.”
Norfolk’s business leaders have welcomed the granting of the NDR Development Consent and are pleased that work will now start in October:
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said:
“A confirmed start date for work on the NDR is another positive step toward getting the improvements to Norfolk’s infrastructure, which the business community has been calling for. The NDR is not just a piece of road, but the opportunity to unlock jobs and new homes for the city and surrounding area.”
Peter Foster, Chair of Norwich Chamber Council / Managing Director of Hugh 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. This bid certainly has the support of the Board at Hugh J Boswell Ltd.”
Richard Marks, Head of Branch – John Lewis Norwich
“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”
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. TheNDR 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.”
