Share
Share
Highways chiefs have warned the number of 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.
The key junction sits at the gateway to several nationally significant developments, including 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.
An aerial view of where the data centre could be built (Image: Mike Page)
National Highways says it needs more information from East Pye about the combined impact of the schemes planned in the area.
Senior figures have told the Planning Inspectorate that the A47/A140 roundabout is likely to be “well used” during construction, should it be approved.
Officials say the solar farm developer has not explained how the scheme will affect the junction, calling it a “critical concern”.
The Bloy’s Grove solar farm, one of several being built in South Norfolk (Image: Mike Page)
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, which is considered nationally significant due to its size.
Responding to the data centre proposals, highways bosses said it needed more information regarding how the A47/A140 junction will be used by the developer.
National Highways wants to know 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.
The firm says traffic would increase only during a short construction period.
More than 850 objections have been lodged with South Norfolk Council, while more than 21,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme.
Matt Bartram, chief executive of Norwich Apex Ltd, believes the data centre will make Norwich a “tech hub”.
Share
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2026. The Eastern Daily Press is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies, terms and legal agreements.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.

source