IT WILL finally make us a destination.

That is the thought of the chairman of a Hampshire parish council after a multi-million pound road scheme was given the go-ahead.

The Botley Bypass, which aims to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve air quality has now been approved by Hampshire County Council with an estimated construction cost of £26 million.

The site, which has been welcomed by Botley Parish Council, 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.

Chairman of the parish council, cllr Colin Mercer, said the news was 'absolutely fantastic'.

Cllr Mercer said: "It will finally make us a destination instead of somewhere that people drive through.

"Those who use the new roads will hopefully stop by and spend some money to help our economy and it's absolutely fantastic.

"Although I am no expert, I'd imagine the construction and any further planning needed might mean that we don't see the roads until maybe 2020, but I first came across plans for the Botley Bypass in 1977, so it's worth the wait."

The bypass will be a brand new 1.1-mile single carriageway, with government funding still needed before work can begin.

Hampshire County Council now say they are in a position to submit a formal funding application to the government for consideration.

The authority's executive member for environment and transport, cllr Rob Humby, said: "This is a significant milestone and great news for the residents of Botley.

"The Bypass has been a long-standing ambition in the area, and planning permission brings it another step closer to reality.

"The Bypass will significantly improve the quality of life for local residents by removing queueing through traffic out of the village.

"It will also make a significant contribution to air quality, as traffic bypasses the village."

The scheme was also open to the public last year, with three public exhibitions held in the summer.

More than 700 residents attended the exhibition, with 82 per cent supporting the plan according to the county council.

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