Highways chiefs warn A47 pressure from solar and data centre plans

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 07:01 · Archive

National Highways warns that major infrastructure projects planned for south Norfolk could strain the A47/A140 roundabout.

Highways chiefs have warned that major infrastructure projects planned for south Norfolk could put further pressure on the A47. National Highways says developers have failed to explain how their schemes will affect the A47/A140 roundabout, which sits at the gateway to several nationally significant developments. The schemes include the East Pye solar farm and a controversial £1.2 billion data centre in Keswick. Locals have dubbed the A140 corridor 'solar valley' because of the scale of construction in the area.

National Highways says it needs more information from East Pye about the combined impact of the schemes planned in the area. Officials say the solar farm developer has not explained how the scheme will affect the junction, calling it a 'critical concern'. Senior figures told the Planning Inspectorate that the A47/A140 roundabout is likely to be 'well used' during construction. National Highways has objected to the solar farm plans, which are under scrutiny from government officials. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, will have the final say on the project.

Responding to the data centre proposals, highways bosses said they needed more information regarding how the A47/A140 junction will be used by the developer, specifically how many lorries will travel to and from the site during construction. Norwich Apex Ltd, the data centre developer, argues its scheme would create less traffic than the approved business park plans for the site, saying traffic would increase only during a short construction period.

How it is being reported

• Fears solar farm and data centre plans could pile pressure on A47Highways chiefs warn that major infrastructure projects planned for south Norfolk could put further pressure on the A47.Eastern Daily Press · 14 Nov, 06:00
• Fears solar farm and data centre plans could pile pressure on A47Highways chiefs warn that major infrastructure projects planned for south Norfolk could put further pressure on the A47.Norwich Evening News · 14 Nov, 06:00

In this story: National Highways · East Pye · Norwich Apex Ltd · Keswick · South Norfolk · Miatta Fahnbulleh

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