Proposals to build thousands of new homes in east Ipswich have been boosted after the town was shortlisted for £15million of roads improvement funding.

The cash would help with schemes to improve the A12 corridor between the A14 and A1214 to add extra traffic capacity and provide access to areas of housing land.

It follows news just two months ago that Ipswich Borough Council would get £9.9million from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) for new infrastructure in the new Garden Suburb development on the northern fringe of the town, where eventually up to 3,500 new homes will be built.

Now the Government has announced that Suffolk County Council’s bids to the HIF have successfully got through to the next stage – considered attractive enough to be shortlisted and will subsequently undergo further development work.

The council has applied for £15m for work in east Ipswich on junction and capacity improvements on or near to the A12 corridor between the A14 and A1214. It is believed this could help with housing developments in the pipeline for Kesgrave and Martlesham.

In addition, a bid has been made for £12m to improve the A14 junctions 43 and 44 which serve central and eastern Bury St Edmunds, again to improve access to housing development sites.

Jane Storey, cabinet member for highways, transport and rural issues, said: “It is fantastic to see that Suffolk has been recognised by the Housing Infrastructure Fund and that these bids have been shortlisted for the next round.

“The schemes would directly support the delivery of over 6,000 homes in Bury St Edmunds and east Ipswich and potentially using recycled funds, support the delivery of many more homes across the county.

“We look forward to working with our partners across the public sector to develop the business case for the two schemes, which will help to encourage economic growth in the county and help to secure the best outcomes for people in Suffolk.”

The next stage will require the councils to work with Government officials to further develop the bids – which are supported by Ipswich and St Edmundsbury boroughs and Suffolk Coastal district councils – and a final decision is expected later in 2018.