Bad weather and delayed work could result in the Northern Distributor Road costing an additional £6.8m, it has been revealed.

Norfolk County Council budgeted £178.9m for the 12.5 mile route, which will stretch from the A47 at Postwick to the A1067 Fakenham Road.

But committee papers published yesterday show there is now a risk that the project could exceed that figure.

The council said it was due to a number of issues that have come up since work began in December last year.

But it stressed the figure was just an estimate and officers would determine the final cost over the next month.

The issues faced so far include:

Delays with Rackheath Rail Bridge – £2.35m;

Unseasonal rainfall throughout June – £350,000;

Additional agricultural land acquisition costs – £3m;

Additional surveys and work associated with public and private utilities – £500,000

Additional excavation as a result of detailed site surveys – £1.25m

The council also said it was expecting a reduction in costs of up to £650,000 due to a change in its landscaping contractor.

Stephen Heard, founding chairman of Stop Norwich Urbanisation, which opposed the project, said: 'I think that this is the tip of the iceberg and I could see there being more additional costs that will have to be funded by the tax payer.

'One has to wonder about the whole decision making process at Norfolk County Council, this is just another incinerator fiasco.'

Members of the environment, development and transport committee will discuss the issue at its next meeting on September 16.

Committee chairman Martin Wilby, said: 'This is a major scheme and there will always be some risks, but we have to manage these risks as best as we can.

'I have to stress this is only an estimated cost and so it is up to our commercial team to try to reduce that estimate.'

Mr Wilby said it would be up to members to decide where money would come from to plug the £6.8m hole.

While supporters of the project say it will enable future growth in jobs and housing with benefits to local communities, businesses and the travelling public as well as supporting regional economic growth, there has been criticism from environmental groups.

It is due to open in February 2018.

Are you concerned about a council project near you? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.