A LONG-AWAITED bypass in Stanway could be completed by the end of 2012, according to the Highways Agency.

The proposed road, known as the Western Bypass, will link the A12 with Warren Lane via Tollgate retail centre.

At a meeting examining Colchester Council’s local development framework, Stanway councillors were assured the road would be completed.

Martin Mason, from the Highways Agency, said: “The bypass completion will be at the end of 2012 at the latest.

“We have negotiated with the developers setting aside extra room in the Tollgate area to improve or widen the bypass if needed in the future.”

Stanway is set to have 1,800 homes built in the area by 2023.

Lesley Scott-Boutell, Lib Dem councillor for Stanway, said improved roads through the area are needed if it is to cope with increased housing.

She said: “This plan is reliant on the completion of the Western Bypass, which is developer led.

“There are no guarantees within the framework which can ensure its delivery during the plan period.

“This is an essential strategic route, urgently required to remove some of the existing pressure on Stanway’s highway infrastructure.”

The independent planning inspector, Terrence Kemmann-Lane, who is chairing the examination, heard councillors were concerned with the proposed reorganisation of schools in Colchester, Stanway would suffer further traffic problems.

Mr Mason said: “The issue of schooling in Colchester is ongoing, and we have had some contact from the education department about transport issues.

“I have made it clear I want a full transport assesment done for these proposals.”

Planning permission was granted for the road on December 1 2006, but a condition imposed meant work had to be started within three years.

Paul Rogers, of Terence O’Rourke Ltd, which represents the developer O&H Properties, resubmitted a planning application for the road on October 27 last year.

In a letter with the application, he stated the economic downturn led to construction being delayed.

He said: “It has been the rapid and serious decline in the UK economy and the significant effects this has had on the housing market and construction industry that has further delayed the anticipated start date for this work.

“O&H Properties is optimistic the economic climate, whilst still poor, will recover over the coming months and remains fully committed to the implementation of the new road as soon as possible.”

The application is still under consideration by council planning officers.