Conservative councillors have today unanimously backed plans to dual Norwich's northern bypass (NDR) - by removing all mention of a single-carriageway from its proposals.

Plans for the 19.5km road, between Postwick on the A47 and A1067 Fakenham Road, are due to be submitted in the autumn.

And Norfolk County Council's Tory cabinet agreed the road should be built as a dual carriageway in one project, rather than in stages.

Graham Plant, cabinet member for planning and transportation, asked for references to building a single carriageway road between the A140, near Norwich International Airport, and the A1067 to be dropped from the wording of recommendations made to the cabinet.

Ann Steward, cabinet member for economic development, said: 'This about the vision and aspiration for the future. That's why we should look at a dual and not single. We are looking 25 to 50 years down the line - let's get the best we can.'

As reported, the government has agreed to provide �86.5m for the bypass but not to fund it beyond the A140.

The total cost of the project is estimated at �141.5m, with the council contributing �13.3m and also hoping to recoup some of the cost through new charges on house building, known as the community infrastructure levy.

Up to �40m has also been agreed in principle to be provided by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) – made up of Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk councils.

The county council's Tory cabinet also today backed a blueprint for delivering economic growth in Norfolk.

This included better broadband; A47 dualling; the Yarmouth Third River Crossing; better trains; Hethel expansion; encouraging business start-ups; rural enterprise hubs in seven towns; promoting 'World Class' Norfolk; and 500 new apprenticeships.