It is news that will be welcomed by commuters to and from Norwich and residents of a south Norfolk village as a scoping report is submitted to assess the environmental impact for a bypass on the A140.

The proposed construction of a 'single carriageway bypass with associated link road' in Long Stratton - which has campaigned for the bypass for decades- in addition to the development of 1,800 homes, has been stated in a report sent to south Norfolk Council by Norfolk Land Ltd and Norfolk Homes Ltd.

The new road and housing would be developed on arable farmland to the east, south-east and north-west of the village which is notorious for its rush-hour traffic jams.

The scope also reports community facilities and public open space provision would also be provided.

John Fuller, south Norfolk Council leader, said: 'It is another significant step along the way to deliver the bypass which has been an issue for years.

'On the day the Elveden bypass is opened it shows how infrastructure improvements like road schemes can benefit the economy. It will help with prosperity for the region.

'It's more than just the economy, air quality and safety will improve and it will allow people to appreciate the historic street frontage in the village.'

In July, landowners in the village were given a deadline by South Norfolk council to demonstrate they were committed to a deal which would allow the housing and bypass to be built – it was touted as the only way of addressing congestion problems on the A140 between Diss and Norwich.

Environmental factors taken into account include ecology and nature conservation, landscape and noise and air quality but the report asserts the area for the proposed construction is 'not in or adjacent to an environmentally sensitive area' – with the nearest designated site the ancient woodland Big Wood, in Pulham Market which lies approximately 1.1km from the site.

Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which works with businesses and public sector partners to help grow jobs in Norfolk and Suffolk, added: 'We as a social enterprise have been supportive of plans to ease congestion round Long Stratton with a bypass.

'A bypass is important as it eases congestion felt by people in Long Stratton and people who use the A140. It is an important route between Ipswich and Norwich and the economic fortunes of the wider area.'

What are your thoughts on the proposed plans? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk