Councillors have agreed for part of a bus and cycle route to be opened up for traffic, after hearing it would help boost regeneration.

Opponents claimed cyclists and walkers would be put at risk by plans to build three new access roads off Hardings Way, in King's Lynn, and move a bus gate 15m.

Today members of the planning committee heard the purpose of the borough council's application was to provide access to council-owned land on either side of Hardings Way, to open it up for development.

They were told the remainder of Hardings Way north of the two sites would remain closed to traffic.

South Lynn councillor Charles Joyce called in the application, meaning it had to go before the committee.

'I called this in because of the traffic regulation order and the question is what has changed,' he said. 'As far as I can see nothing has changed.

'This is a well-used route by pedestrians and cyclists, kids walking to school, people walking in and out of town.' Alistair Beales, the council's portfolio holder for regeneration, spoke in favour of the proposals.

'In many ways this is all about regeneration,' he said. 'It's not about traffic on Hardings Way, this poses no threat to Hardings Pits.

'This is a classic regeneration scheme which will allow five acres of land to be developed to the public benefit.'

Objectors included the Hardings Pits Community Association, which feared the proposals would make its doorstep green nature reserve more vulnerable to fly-tipping. The Campaign for the protection of Rural England said it feared the development would represent the first step towards opening the whole of Hardings Way to all traffic. A report to councillors, which recommended approval, said: 'The principle of creating three new access roads and re-locating the existing bus gate on Hardings Way is considered acceptable and would not result in any detrimental impact to high safety.'

Councillors voted almost unanimously in favour of the application, with one objection.

West Norfolk council hopes to redevelop the town's waterfront around the Nar Loop and Boal Quay.

A blueprint made public last month includes hundreds of new homes and leisure developments.