Plans for the next phase of a Spalding western relief road will not now be submitted this year.
It had been expected a planning application would be ready by the autumn, but in an unexpected twist the proposals for a new road linking the town’s Holland Park development to Bourne Road, have been put on hold to ensure the bypass meets the future needs of the town.
Now it is expected that it will be next summer before any application is submitted, but that will include plans for the final two stages of the road linking Holland Park to Bourne Road and then beyond to Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck.
The western relief road was expected to be built in three phases, with the first phase, extending from Littleworth Drove to the boundary of Holland Park and including a bridge over the railway, being funded by Broadgate Homes as part of the Holland Park development.
The public were asked for their views on the second phase at a series of consultation events last summer, but a spokesman for Lincolnshire County Council said since then it has held further discussions with local developers and South Holland District Council and “a better way forward has emerged”.
Executive member for highways and transportation, Coun William Webb said: “Following feedback that people have been giving us, we believe it does make sense to join the last two phases together.
“This will help make sure the road meets what residents and developers are looking for, and can support the new housing that is needed.
“As well as more people coming to the area, needing to houses to live in, there will be increased traffic too.
“On top of this, more trains will be diverted through Spalding from the end of next year, so we need to help avoid congestion by finding an alternative way for people to get around.”
Possible routes for phase three are now being identified, with consultation expected next summer before a planning application is submitted.
More details about the western relief road can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/swrr