The application involves the dualling of the single carriageway section of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham, linking together two existing sections of dual carriageway. The scheme will provide a new route to the south of Hockering and to the north of Honningham and include new junctions with locations yet to be determined.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on 15 March 2021 and accepted for Examination on 12 April 2021.
Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 12 May 2022.
This is the 115th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 42nd transport application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said:
“The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
“The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the six-month long examination.
“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation.”
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email: Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
The Planning Inspectorate’s National Infrastructure Programme of Projects details the proposals which are anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as applications in the coming months.
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