Residents are upset as a crucial road project is halted due to rare bats
Norwich: People are really frustrated right now. A new road that many locals desperately need is being put on hold. Why? Because of some rare bats found in the area.
It’s not the first time wildlife has caused issues for developers. This £247 million road was supposed to stretch 3.9 miles near Easton. But now, it looks like it might not happen.
Norfolk County Council announced they’re pulling the plans after Natural England said they probably wouldn’t give the green light. They were worried about harming or moving the bats.
Residents were vocal about their support for the road. They believe it would ease traffic in the small villages around Norwich. One person mentioned how important it is for those living north of the city to have easy access to the south.
But Graham Plant, the council’s highways guy, said they’ve tried everything to make it work. He called the road crucial for tackling traffic problems in the area.
The council had promised that this road would help cut down on travel times and pollution. It was supposed to connect the A47 at Easton with the Broadland Northway A1067. The previous government even agreed to cover 80% of the costs.
However, new guidelines from Natural England have made it tough to move forward. They’ve given the bats a “favorable conservation status,” which complicates things a lot.
Last year, the council tried to redesign the road to protect the bats, but it wasn’t enough for Natural England. They insisted more needed to be done.
Ms. Mason Billing, the Tory council leader, expressed her disappointment. She said they really want to build this road for Norfolk’s residents. Many people support it, and it’s needed for economic growth and safer roads.
Mr. Plant mentioned that this news would be frustrating for many. He plans to talk with the Department for Transport about the project’s future to help improve travel and road safety.
While some believe the road would help with traffic in the Wensum Valley, others, like BBC presenter Chris Packham, are celebrating its potential cancellation. He called it “fantastic news” for biodiversity.
Labour MP Clive Lewis also chimed in, saying the project was a “financially ruinous scheme” and that the £200 million set aside should be used to address the fallout now that the road seems off the table.
