Breadcrumbs
New roads bypass sensitive wildlife and beautiful countryside - 29 November, 2004
The Countryside Agency and English Nature jointly objected to the proposal at a public inquiry in 1995, and have worked closely together to make clear that the environmental impacts of dualling the A303 through the Blackdown Hills would have been unacceptable and contradicted Government policy that protects environmentally sensitive areas. The decision not to dual has protected this nationally designated landscape from severe damage that could not have been mitigated and protected important habitats, such as ancient hedgerows, home to the protected dormouse and bats. Today's decision will instead upgrade the A358 from near Ilminster to the M5 at Taunton, and the environmental impacts of these plans are minor in comparison.
In Cornwall, the Inspector’s* decision on the A30 Bodmin scheme will mean the current road, which cuts through Goss Moor National Nature Reserve and an internationally important Special Area of Conservation, can be removed. The realigned A30 will rejoin two parts of the site, allowing opportunities for better access for walkers and cyclists, more effective management of Goss Moor and European funding for a range of environmental enhancements for this rare heathland and important wildlife such as the marsh fritillary butterfly.
The Countryside Agency and English Nature welcome the decisions on the Blackdown Hills and A30 Bodmin scheme, which reaffirm the Government’s commitment to a presumption against damaging road schemes in environmentally sensitive areas.
Notes for Editors
For more information contact:
English Nature, 01733 455190 out of hours 07970 098 005
press@english-nature.org.uk
www.english-nature.org.uk
Countryside Agency 0207 340 2907 out of hours 07973 942892
*A30 inspector's report: is available by Clicking Here
