The large-scale housing plan for South West Boston cannot go ahead without improvements to the area's roadways.

Richard Wills, Lincolnshire County Council's director of development said that the proposed Boston Southern Link was "simply unaffordable".

Boston Borough Council will now have to re-think the proposals.

'Change of circumstances'

It is believed the new road, linking London Road and the A16, will be too expensive because of the predicted compensation costs that may have to be paid to residents and local businesses.

Mr Wills said: "I will be advising county councillors that they will need to consider the affordability of the Boston Southern Link.

"My professional view is that even with optimistic estimates for developer contributions, it is simply unaffordable and I will be advising accordingly."

Steve Lumb, Boston Borough Council's head of planning, said: "Such a large development can't happen without the infrastructure to support it.

"So, with the deferral of the Southern Boston Link Road, we must revisit our plans to take into account the change of circumstances."