It is news that will be welcomed by the residents of a south Norfolk village and commuters as a scoping report is submitted to assess the environmental impact for a bypass on the A140.

The proposed construction of a 'single carriageway bypass with associated link road' in Long Stratton - which has campaigned for the bypass for decades- in addition to the development of 1,800 homes, has been stated in a report sent to south Norfolk Council by Norfolk Land Ltd and Norfolk Homes Ltd.

The new road and housing would be developed on arable farmland to the east, south-east and north-west of the village which is notorious for its rush-hour traffic jams.

The scope also reports community facilities and public open space provision would also be provided.

John Fuller, south Norfolk Council leader, said: 'It is another significant step along the way to deliver the bypass which has been an issue for years.

'On the day the Elveden bypass is opened it shows how infrastructure improvements like road schemes can benefit the economy.'

In July, landowners in the village were given a deadline by South Norfolk council to demonstrate they were committed to a deal which would allow the housing and bypass to be built – it was touted as the only way of addressing congestion problems on the A140.

Environmental factors taken into account include ecology and nature conservation and landscape but the report asserts the area for the proposed construction is 'not in or adjacent to an environmentally sensitive area' – with the nearest designated site the ancient woodland in Pulham Market.

Alison Thomas, County Councillor for Long Stratton, added: 'The village suffers everyday from the huge volume of traffic and the village has to fit around the road. So for the community the bypass will benefit it greatly and anything that improves safety and the well being of the residents will be very welcome.'

What are your thoughts on the proposed plans? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk