Final hearings to decide on major Thickthorn roundabout revamp

National Highways is seeking a development consent order for the transformation of the major interchange, where the A11 and A47 meet on the edge of Norwich, near Hethersett.

The latest hearings come almost a year after the plans for the area were lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.

The plans for the changes at Thickthorn Roundabout. (Image: Highways England)

The plans include a new slip road off the A11 northbound, which would take motorists beneath both roads before rejoining traffic on the A47 heading towards Great Yarmouth - eliminating the need to use the roundabout.

The changes, which would cause major disruption whilst being carried out, would also see a segregated left-hand turn added to those travelling eastbound on the A47, a new footbridge and a fourth lane on the southern part of the junction.

Latest hearings will be held, virtually, on Tuesday (March 1), Wednesday (March 2) and Thursday (March 3), with an extra hearing on Friday (March 4) set aside if it proves necessary.

The hearings are likely to include representations by Big Sky Developments, the housing development company owned by South Norfolk Council, which has been building homes close to the junction.

Representatives from Trustees of The Mackintosh Trust, which owns nearby land are also likely to attend to discuss access to land either side of the proposed Cantley Road link road.

Environmental matters are due to be discussed at Thursday's hearing.

Previous hearings were held in November, one of which was notable because nobody turned up to speak at it.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for growing the economy (Image: Jamie Honeywood Archant Norwich Norfolk)

Graham Plant, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council has previously hailed the mooted changes as "really important for Norfolk's economy".

But Green county councillor Paul Neale dubbed it as a "spaghetti junction" which would be "highly damaging" to the local environment.

Green county councillor Paul Neale. (Image: Norwich Green Party)

The final decision on whether the project can go ahead rests with transport secretary Grant Shapps.

He can choose to accept the inspector's recommendation, or could ignore it.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps made a speech to the House of Commons on Thursday. (Image: PA)

The latter happened with the planning inquiry into the proposed revamp of Norwich's Anglia Square.

A planning inspector recommended approval, but local government inspector Robert Jenrick disagreed and blocked the scheme.