The controversial redesign of one of Canterbury’s busiest routes has been pushed back until next year - giving hope to opponents the project may never get off the ground.

A one-way gyratory system is set to be introduced in Wincheap, with the main A28 road restricted to only vehicles heading out of the city.

Traffic coming into Canterbury - except for buses and cyclists - will be diverted through the Wincheap Industrial Estate along Simmonds Road, which will become a two-lane carriageway.

The new layout is hoped to improve traffic flow by removing snarled-up congestion along the 530-metre stretch between Cow Lane and the Maiden’s Head pub.

But the project - devised by Kent County Council (KCC) - has earned very few supporters, with repeated calls for the “ridiculous” plan to be rethought.

Housebuilding firm Redrow, which is constructing 400 homes a mile away in Thanington, will foot the bill for the one-way system - thought to be about £3 million.

Bosses originally planned to begin the nine-month construction period this summer, but the start date for the works has now been pushed back until next year.

A Redrow spokesman said: “It is likely that they will now commence in early 2023, and we anticipate they will take approximately nine months to complete.

“Once a start date has been established, we will be consulting local businesses and residents in the months prior to ensure they are aware of the full phasing of the works and can raise any questions.

“The works have been consented by the council as part of our planning application for 400 new homes in Thanington.

“We are keen to ensure the works take place as quickly and as smoothly as possible so disruption to those impacted is minimised throughout.”

Wincheap councillor Nick Eden-Green is, however, hopeful that council officers “use common sense” and bring the plan under further scrutiny before it comes to fruition.

“I don’t think it is set in stone,” the Lib Dem said.

“All the local councillors think it is entirely inappropriate and every resident I have spoken to is against it.

“It needs to go out to proper consultation, and the scheme needs to go back to the drawing board.

“We have been speaking to officers to forcefully get the point across that it will not work and only make traffic worse.

“It’s a ridiculous plan. We’ve wanted a relief road for years, but this isn’t it, as it doesn’t bypass Wincheap.

“I hope we can have a proper consultation and come up with a joined-up plan which does actually solve the traffic problem.”

Under the current approved plan, motorists heading out of the city will continue to use the main road through Wincheap. But those going in the opposite direction will be sent through the industrial estate.

Those wanting to just visit the industrial estate and its many businesses will only be able to access it via Cow Lane, and must exit at the junction near the Maiden’s Head pub.

The council revealed its vision for a one-way layout in 2014, with the benefits of the gyratory being listed in the transport strategy in its Local Plan.

It was rubber-stamped four years ago as part of the Cockering Farm development run by Redrow.

As the highways authority, KCC will be organising the management of the project.

The council, however, says it is keeping an “open mind” about the transport management plans for Wincheap.

A KCC spokesman said: “The application gained committee approval in September 2018.

“We maintain an open mind about the possibilities for future development in this area.

“Officers are working with a range of partners, including National Highways and Canterbury City Council on options to relieve congestion in the area.

“We expect the developer to undertake engagement and awareness activities with the local community, which will include timescales for future works.”