Funding bid for new roundabout in Water Moor Lane, Fakenham

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) hopes to get levelling up money for the roundabout which will pave the way for the Fakenham Urban Extension, which will see 950 new homes built.

The initial funding for the new roundabout on the A148 near Water Moor Lane was secured from Norfolk County Council and NNDC.

However, it has been held up because the estimated costs for doing the work have increased by £1m owing to inflation.

Plans for the Fakenham Urban Extension are currently on hold due to Nutrient Neutrality (Image: Define/Planning documents)

Now the district council has submitted a bid to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for the extra funding needed which amounts to £1.4m.

Christopher Cushing, NNDC councillor for Fakenham Lancaster North Ward, said: “Work on the urban extension has been halted by Natural England’s ‘Nutrient Neutrality’ Directive along with other developments in Fakenham.

“NNDC officers are exploring options to address this, though I think it will be some months yet before we know whether there is a viable solution.

Christopher Cushing, NNDC councillor for Fakenham Lancaster North Ward (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

“The council are hopeful that their request to the government for additional funding for the new roundabout on the A148 will be successful. Preparations are underway to build this over the next winter if the grant is approved.”

Outline planning permission for the homes was approved in October 2021, after plans were submitted by developer Trinity College Cambridge.

In March 2022 ‘Nutrient Neutrality’ stalled the plans, which also included employment development, a new primary school, the creation of a new retail centre, a new 100-bed hotel, open space and significant infrastructure including the new roundabout.

Of the homes, 166 will be classed as affordable

NNDC does not expect a decision on this until after the budget announcement in March.