PLANS for a multi-million pound bypass in Hampshire have taken a huge a step forward.

The planning application for the long-awaited Botley bypass, which is estimated to cost £24 million, has been submitted.

The works for the scheme which aims to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve air quality and road safety could start as early as 2019, if the plans are given the go-ahead and the funding secured.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the site for the new bypass runs from the junction of the A334 and A3051, near to Mill Hill, at the south-eastern end to Woodhouse Lane, passing to the north and east of Botley village and crossing Winchester Street.

The existing highway on Woodhouse Lane between Winchester Street and the A334 also forms part of the site.

Hampshire County Council transport boss Cllr Rob Humby, said: “The County Council is committed to this scheme and has made a major investment in staff time and resources to develop a detailed scheme, and get the proposals to this stage. If all goes well, we would hope planning permission is secured in the next few months.”

He that the scheme has been welcomed by the 80 per cent of local residents in the last consultation.

They said that having a bypass is “encouraging” as it will help to dispense traffic and improve road safety.

Denise Graham, 54, private nanny, has been living in Botley for the last 50 years.

She said: “I have been waiting 50 years for it. The bypass will have a positive impact, especially if they will put restrictions for lorries to come along Broad Oak Road. Now if the motorway shuts we get lorries on Broad Oak Road and it’s dangerous.”

The scheme has also been supported by Botley parish council.

Chairman Colin Mercer said: “Everybody will be pleased to see it happening. We need to make Botley a destination rather than a way through.

“This will give us an opportunity to make it happen. We’ve got an opportunity to be able to rethink how to improve the village.”

Members of the public will have the chance to have their say and submit comments on the application until September 15.