Major changes to Norwich city centre are likely to move forward after a report recommended councillors approve the plans.

Work on the £2.55m proposals, which would affect areas including Farmers Avenue, Golden Ball Street, All Saints Green, Westlegate, St Stephens Plain and Red Lion Street, are set to get underway early in 2016.

A consultation saw 190 responses, which the report to next Thursday's Norwich Highways Agency committee at Norwich City Council said included 66 which 'expressed support of the proposals, either unreservedly or with some concerns'.

A total of 62 responses raised concerns about displaced traffic, particularly on the inner ring road; 29 were worried about extra traffic on Ber Street and impact of traffic turning onto Queens Road or Bracondale, while 27 disagreed with proposed closure of All Saints Green and route of displaced traffic.

The council said the latest traffic data will be available to the committee, showing the effect on the inner ring road ranging from an extra 1,200 vehicles, up 3.4pc a day in both directions on Grapes Hill, to a 200-vehicle-a-day reduction on Riverside Road.

Ber Street is forecast to see 950 more vehicles a day, up 9.5pc, with increased pressure on Finkelgate, forecast to increase by 1,400, or 19.4pc, a day.

The report recommends further work on possible improvements to the junctions at Finkelgate/Queens Road and Ber Street/Bracondale, with public consultation before any proposals return to committee.

Organisations supporting the scheme included John Lewis and the Castle Mall operator, whose car park accesses would be altered.

Committee chair Steve Morphew said: 'When the committee considers the recommendation to proceed, that will include a number of changes as a direct result of public comments, and steps to deal with issues that have been flagged up.'

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