LONG-AWAITED plans for a £32.4m access road in Gedling have been given the go-ahead.
The controversial proposals had unanimous support by councillors at Gedling Borough Council's special planning committee on Thursday.
Residents both in favour and in opposition also turned out in force to hear the decision.
It had been in the pipeline for more than 50 years as a way of diverting traffic away from Gedling Village.
Francis Rodrigues, from the Gedling Village Preservation Society, was a speaker at the meeting.
He said: "We have been campaigning for this road now for over 30 years. We have waited long enough. The Gedling access road will be a much needed relief to Gedling Village and the surrounding area. These roads are already saturated."
The plans - of which more than 100 people objected to - will see 3.8km of road linking up Mapperley Plains with A612 Burton Road.
Kelly Jaggers, 32, of Clementine Drive, Mapperley, said: "I don't feel we were properly consulted and I have significant safety concerns for the five schools in the area. I think the decision is short-sighted."
Another concern raised was over the safety of pupils at Carlton Le Willows Academy, through which the bypass is set to run. It will also lose some of its playing fields.
Head teacher Craig Weaver said the decision was "disappointing".
He added: "Our biggest concern is of the children's safety because we have a junction which in that planning application is not fit for purpose.
"What I have to hope now is that people will get together and work out the best possible crossing that money can buy.
"The issue of the playing fields is secondary to that."
When built, the road will unlock space for 150 homes planned by Harworth Estates for land off Spring Lane and 900 homes at the former Gedling Colliery.
Councillor Chris Barnsfather said at the meeting: "We have all waited a long time to see a proposal come to this planning committee for a relief road on the east side of the borough. The application may not be perfect but it does address the majority of the problems.
"There will be losers and there's no disguising that fact but this is a greater good decision"
Councillor Peter Barnes added: "I think it is the best think we have been trying to do for a long time."
The plans have received a £10.8 million grant from the Department of Transport.
Work could start as early as next spring.
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