Norfolk County Council has confirmed that its Cabinet is set to meet to consider new recommendations relating to a major infrastructure project.
Supporting the delivery of significant housing growth for the future of the area, the project will see recommendations relating to a revised timeline and budget considered by the cabinet, whilst the council is also set to submit an updated Outline Business Case to government.
Originally budgeted at £84.47 million, the cost of the project is now expected to reach £109.2 million, with this increase coming thanks to a number of factors, including statutory approval delays and the impact of the General Election. Due to the nature of the project, and the increased costs, the council is requesting that the Department for Transport shoulder the burden of the project’s costs – provided that the Outline Business Case is approved.
Another of the recommendations that will be considered by the council include an increase to the temporary contribution from the council, worth £1.4 million, to continue with the progress of planning, procurement, and land acquisition.
Homes England will also provide forward a funding contributing, which will then be made up through the future funding developments that the project will unlock.
The County Council’s Lead Director for Infrastructure, Grahame Bygrave, said:
"Recent events, including the general election, have impacted our timeline for delivery and costs across the sector have continued to rise since our original Outline Business Case was developed and submitted to government. We remain committed to our 'infrastructure first' delivery of this key project and continue with our aim for it to be delivered as soon as possible and will await the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, when we hope to receive further updates from the government."
Plans for the project are being developed in partnership with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, with the anticipation of 4,000 new homes being delivered over the course of the next 20 years.
Also to be considered at the cabinet’s meeting at the beginning of next month is investment of £2.35 million into supported housing in Swaffham. This investment will come from the council’s Supported Living capital programme, and will support work to meet adult social care demand.
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