Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : BCT’s Position Statement on the Proposed Norwich Distributor Road Western Link [March 2021]
The press release issued by the Bat Conservation Trust on 4 March 2021.

Background

This position statement sets out the Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT’s) position on the proposed Norwich Distributor Road (NDR) Western Link. This is a proposed extension to the NDR, construction of which was completed in 2018.

Wild Wings Ecology have reported that survey work carried out by them in 2019 and 2020 has resulted in the discovery of a large, nationally significant population of bats of the species barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) along the proposed road route. Within this is the largest known UK roost for barbastelle, supporting 105 individuals within one tree, and it is reported that the whole population consists of 270 individuals with maternity roosts spread through several woodlands in the area (Packman, 2020). The nationally important status of the colony and the threat to this is the reason for BCT producing this position statement.

Legal protection for bats

All of the UK’s bat species are legally protected from killing / harm, disturbance, and obstruction / destruction of their roosting habitat by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legal protection was put in place as a result of historic declines and some bat species are showing early signs of recovery.

Status of barbastelle

However, the barbastelle is particularly rare and thought to still be declining throughout its range across Europe. Barbastelle is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the Global IUCN Red List and ‘Vulnerable’ on the UK Red List, which also describes it as ‘at imminent risk of extinction’ and estimates a population of 4500 individuals in England. It is offered special protection through its listing on Annex II of the Habitats Directive, requiring for member states to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) to protect the species and its habitats.

Potential impacts of major road schemes

The potential impacts of road schemes on bats include destruction, degradation and fragmentation of roosting, foraging and commuting habitat; mortality of bats through collision with vehicles and disturbance from noise and lighting associated with the road.

The impact of roads on bats was studied by Berthinussen and Altringham (2012a), who reported that bat activity and diversity reduced with increasing proximity to a major UK road, probably due to habitat degradation (through noise, light and chemical pollution), the barrier effect and/or road mortality. Finch et al. (2020) report that both bat activity and feeding behaviour are negatively affected by traffic noise playback.

Mitigation and compensation methods available

Attempts to mitigate and compensate for the impacts of road schemes on bats generally include the provision of alternative roosting habitat (for example, using bat boxes or veteranisation of trees), planting of new commuting and foraging habitat, the provision of crossing points for bats to cross the road safely and sensitive lighting schemes.

Limitations of these methods

It is clear that new planting cannot replace mature woodland and the roosting and foraging opportunities it offers to mature woodland specialists such as the barbastelle. Indeed, it will take many years for any such new planting to provide those needs. Too long to support current colonies of bats impacted by the scheme.

Berthinussen and Altringham (2012b) reported on the efficacy of road crossing points for bats, concluding that bat gantries are ineffective but underpasses do have potential (if they are of sufficient size and placed along pre-construction commuting routes) and green bridges warrant further research into their efficacy.

Fensome and Mathews (2016) analysed evidence on road mortality for bats from across Europe and found that juveniles are more prone to collision (making maternity colonies close to roads particularly vulnerable) and that rare species such as barbastelle have been discovered as casualties on the roads studied.

Impacts from light pollution are often addressed by sensitive lighting schemes but this does not reduce the negative impact of vehicle headlights. Impacts from noise and chemical pollution are often not addressed and we are not familiar with any mitigation measures that have been both proposed and tested for their efficacy.

Local Planning Authority duty

This barbastelle population is of national significance because of the number of bats it supports. Whilst the site is not yet designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) it does qualify and should not need to be designated to be protected.

A SAC site threatened by impacts from development would be subject to a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Where an adverse impact on the integrity of a SAC is predicted and no alternatives are available permission can only be granted if there are imperative reasons of over-riding public interest and if appropriate compensatory measures are available and applied.

Regardless of SAC status, the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) states that:
- Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: a) protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan); and
- · When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles: a) if significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.
The available evidence suggests that the impacts of the proposed NDR Western Link on this nationally significant barbastelle population cannot be adequately mitigated or compensated for and we have significant concerns about this scheme if taken forwards as proposed.

References

Berthinussen, A. & Altringham, J. (2012a) The effect of a major road on bat activity and diversity. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49, 82-89. Found here: The effect of a major road on bat activity and diversity on JSTOR

Berthinussen, A. & Altringham, J. (2012b) Do Bat Gantries and Underpasses Help Bats Cross Roads Safely? PLoS ONE 7(6): e38775. Found here: Do Bat Gantries and Underpasses Help Bats Cross Roads Safely? (plos.org)

Fensome, A. and Mathews, F. (2016) Roads and bats: A meta-analysis and review of the evidence on vehicle collisions and barrier effects. Mammal Review 46(4). Found here: Roads and bats: a meta‐analysis and review of the evidence on vehicle collisions and barrier effects – Fensome – 2016 – Mammal Review – Wiley Online Library

Finch, D., Schofield, H. & Mathews, F. (2020) Traffic noise playback reduces the activity and feeding behaviour of free-living bats.

Environmental Pollution,Volume 263, Part B. Found here: Traffic noise playback reduces the activity and feeding behaviour of free-living bats – ScienceDirect

Packman, C. (2020) Norfolk’s Nature Discovery of the Year webinar 08.12.20. Found here: Norfolk’s Nature Discovery of the Year webinar 08.12.20 – Dr Charlotte Packman’s talk – YouTube
January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Road Link Across Wensum Valley Would Cause Irreversible Harm [January 2019]

The press release issued by the Norwich Green Party on 15 January 2019.

Green councillors want Norfolk County Council to abandon its outdated plans for a Norwich Western Link and they recommend that Norwich City Council’s cabinet does not support a new road at its meeting on Wednesday 16th January.

Councillor Denise Carlo, Leader of the Green Group on Norwich City Council, said:

“The irreversible harm to the Wensum and Tud valleys, higher greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate breakdown and extra new traffic are a high price for people and the environment to pay. “

Green councillors are concerned that the county council has inflated the traffic case for a Western Link by including in the traffic model a new industrial park for up to 8,000 jobs and a settlement of 4,000 homes in open countryside which would generate substantial car and lorry traffic.

Denise Carlo added:

“I doubt whether the public is aware that the Council is proposing major traffic-generating development in open countryside to support a traffic case for a Western Link. We are also concerned that road construction costs are under-estimated. For example, Greens calculate the real cost of Option D, close to Ringland and priced at £161 million, could be up to £300 milliondue to its complex engineering.

“The extra £2 million that the County wants to spend on further road design work should be invested on working up a ‘fit for the future’ package of public transport, walking, cycling and travel planning measures which would benefit everyone. Thirty-seven per centof car journeys in the study area are under six miles and some drivers could switch if green travel modes were improved.”

January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : National Highways announce new environmental sustainability division as it targets net zero [January 2022]
The press release issued by National Highways on 7 January 2022.

National Highways has created a new division for Environmental Sustainability as it underlines its commitment to the environment and achieving net zero carbon.

The new division, headed by Stephen Elderkin, will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to deliver the ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero across England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2050.

Bringing together National Highways’ environmental teams and a new carbon team into one central division, it will raise the profile of environment within the organisation and create additional capacity and capability on this vital subject.

As well as driving towards net zero, the division of 50 people will also develop National Highways’ new environmental strategy – a key theme that will be central to any future road investment strategies.

Stephen brings to the position extensive experience from both major project delivery and economic and chief analyst roles. He’s moving into the new post having led the £1bn A12 upgrade scheme for the last 3 years.

His career prior to joining National Highways focussed on environmental sustainability, including working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Defra. His roles included leading the Government analysis for the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets and energy efficiency policies.

Stephen said:

It’s a privilege to take on this role at such a critical time. We’ve seen how COP26 has brought heightened public recognition of the need for action on climate change.

National Highways connects the country, playing a vital role in national prosperity. But we must do that sustainably, making our contribution to achieving a net zero economy and showing ambition and leadership to leave a positive legacy through our approach to the environment.

The challenge to us and the industry is to demonstrate how we are delivering improved environment outcomes; rapidly decarbonising transport and supporting biodiversity to create the cleaner, greener network a zero carbon Britain needs.

The environmental challenges we face can only be achieved by working together – I look forward to working with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.

Moving forward, the division will have several key objectives, including:
- implementing the net zero plan; achieving net zero for corporate emissions by 2030, net zero for construction and maintenance emissions by 2040 and net zero for road user emissions by 2050
- developing the long-term vision for an environmentally sustainable National Highways and a strategy to get there
- enhancing biodiversity
- reducing local environmental impacts from our network
Mike Wilson, Executive Director, Safety Engineering and Standards, said:

We’re committed to our ambitious vision of net zero by 2050 but recognise the scale of the challenge that faces us.

Being able to call on someone with Stephen’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.

Our net zero carbon plan and the new division will put roads at the heart of the low carbon economy, while preserving the convenience and economic benefit of an efficient road network.

The Government-owned company has already started sustained action towards decarbonising England’s motorways and A-roads so they can continue to bring significant benefits to motorists, communities and businesses in a net-zero future.

The plan will put roads at the heart of Britain’s net zero future through three key commitments; achieving net zero for its own operations by 2030; delivering net zero road maintenance and construction by 2040; and supporting net zero carbon travel on our roads by 2050.

Read the full net zero plan.
January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The Wensum Link – What About Cycling? [August 2021]

The press release issued by the Norwich Cycling Campaign on 22 August 2021.

The proposed Wensum link, officially called the Norwich Western Link (NWL), is a plan to connect the A1270 Northern Distributer Road (NDR) from the point where it joins the A1067 Fakenham Road, across the Wensum valley on a viaduct, to join a newly-dualled A47 at Honingham. This is a very controversial road proposal. The Wensum valley is a Special Area of Conservation, a place of great natural beauty with wildlife-rich ancient woodlands and a beautiful chalk river, the Wensum. If built, the road will cause a huge – and frankly unforgivable – amount of damage to this delicate environment.

The position of Norwich Cycling Campaign (NCyC) is to oppose the project. Road building of this type is always detrimental to cycling, especially when fast dual carriageways sever existing roads radiating out from the city to the surrounding countryside. Also, because this road will enable development of suburban sprawl around the north-west of Norwich, it will inevitably increase car dependency creating a poorer environment for people wishing to get around by bike.

However, we recognise that huge commercial pressure will probably force its construction through. If this is to happen, it’s important that the proper cycling provision which appears to be guaranteed by government policy is actually honoured. Sadly, in this respect, it seems Norfolk County Council (NCC) are intent on doing all they can to cut corners by not providing a parallel cycle track at all.

The dual carriageway road will cross the valley on a huge viaduct and NCC are insisting no cycle track be incorporated into its construction. This is unacceptable as it means there will be no accommodation for cycle traffic along the new road. The viaduct cycle track is therefore the biggest issue facing NCyC because if it’s not included in the construction of the bridge it would be very difficult and expensive to add later.

January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ferrovial Construction Awarded Norwich Western Link Project [June 2021]
The press release issued by Ferrovial Construction on 25 June 2021.
- Project award in line with new UK corporate strategy to deliver schemes as sole entity, for sustainable growth and people opportunities
- Design and Construction contract £107m with a duration of 4.5 years + 3 years landscape maintenance
- Contract to be delivered by Ferrovial Construction and involves design and build of 6.1km of dual carriageway and 7 structures including 670m viaduct over River Wensum
Ferrovial Construction has been awarded the contract to design and build the Norwich Western Link by Norfolk County Council.

Work will start on the contract immediately alongside the council’s existing project team to further develop the design of the Norwich Western Link, including the new 6.1 km dual carriageway road between the A47 and Broadland Northway and many of its associated measures.

This work will feed into the pre-planning application public consultation, which is scheduled for the autumn, which in turn will inform the planning application for the project, due to be submitted in early 2022.

Works will include 6.1 km of dual carriageway from A1270 to A47 including a new viaduct over the River Wensum, 6 structures for minor roads and environmental crossings. Construction is expected to complete in 2025 with a further three years of landscape maintenance.

Cllr Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “Ferrovial Construction have a great track record in designing and building large-scale infrastructure projects and will bring specialist expertise to the project, including in relation to the design of the viaduct across the River Wensum.

“Creating the Norwich Western Link is a priority for this council and it’s vital to ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to not only tackle existing congestion and delays but to accommodate future population and job growth. We’re looking forward to working with Ferrovial Construction to deliver such an important project for Norfolk.”

Karl Goose, UK & Ireland Managing Director, Ferrovial Construction: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver the Norwich Western Link, a key project which forms part of the new sustainable growth strategy for the UK business. We will be bringing our expertise and experience at delivering highways projects in the UK, Ireland and around the world to provide Norfolk County Council and the region with a world-class piece of infrastructure.

We will be self-delivering this project with local teams, opening new opportunities for people in Norfolk and offering a gateway to STEM careers in the industry and sustainable career development paths for new and existing employees.”

Ferrovial Construction were the highest scoring bidder from a competitive procurement process for the project which began in summer 2020 and during which they began developing their proposals for the project. Their appointment today followed a decision by the county council’s cabinet earlier this month to award the contract.

At the same meeting cabinet members also agreed to approve the outline business case for the Norwich Western Link, and this has now been submitted to the Department for Transport. The business case demonstrated that the project would provide high value for money, significantly reduce many journey times to the west of Norwich, improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. If the outline business case is approved, this would provide a funding commitment from government which is expected to cover 85% of the £198 million total project costs.
January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Extinction Rebellion Quit Tactics of Public Disruption [January 2023]

The press release issued by Extinction Rebellion on 1 January 2023.

When XR burst onto the scene four years ago, few could have imagined the seismic shift it would bring about in the climate movement, the climate conversation, and the world at large.

But despite the blaring alarm on the climate and ecological emergency ringing loud and clear, very little has changed. Emissions continue to rise and our planet is dying at an accelerated rate.

The root causes? A financial system prioritising profits over life, a media failing to inform the public and hold power to account, and a reckless government entrenched in corruption and suppressing the right to protest injustice.

As we ring in the new year, we make a controversial resolution to temporarily shift away from public disruption as a primary tactic. We recognise and celebrate the power of disruption to raise the alarm and believe that constantly evolving tactics is a necessary approach. What’s needed now most is to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance, to bring about a transition to a fair society that works together to end the fossil fuel era. Our politicians, addicted to greed and bloated on profits won’t do it without pressure.

We must be radical in our response to this crisis and determined in our efforts to address the climate and ecological emergency, even if it means taking a different approach than before. In a time when speaking out and taking action are criminalised, building collective power, strengthening in number and thriving through bridge-building is a radical act.

XR is committed to including everyone in this work and leaving no one behind, because everyone has a role to play. This year, we prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks, as we stand together and become impossible to ignore.

The conditions for change in the UK have never been more favourable – it’s time to seize the moment. The confluence of multiple crises presents us with a unique opportunity to mobilise and move beyond traditional divides. No one can do this alone, and it’s the responsibility of all of us, not just one group. It may be uncomfortable or difficult, but the strength of all social, environmental, and justice movements lies in working together. As our rights are stripped away and those speaking out and most at risk are silenced, we must find common ground and unite to survive.

It’s no secret that those in power are hoarding wealth and power at the expense of ordinary people, while ignoring the consequences of their greed. Emissions continue to rise, but they couldn’t care less. But people do care, and changes to democracy that free and empower the voices of the people through Citizens Assemblies could balance the tables and bring about the positive societal tipping point we all need.

Choose Your Future – 21st April and beyond – The Big One – Houses of Parliament – 100,000 people.

January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointments Including Viscount Younger of Leckie [January 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 January 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Viscount Younger of Leckie as a Parliamentary under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions (previously a Lord in Waiting (Lords Whip));
- Lord Evans of Rainow as a Lord in Waiting (Lords Whip).
This follows the departure from government of Baroness Stedman–Scott OBE DL.
January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Office Statement on North Korea missile launch [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 January 2023.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued a statement after North Korea launched a ballistic missile. A spokesperson said:

“North Korea has once again violated UN Security Council Resolutions by launching a short-range ballistic missile on 1 January.

The UK, alongside our international partners, continues to call on North Korea to return to dialogue and prioritise the well-being of its people instead of the unlawful pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.”

January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Campaigners from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have signed a joint statement calling for greener priorities in Transport East’s 30-year plan [January 2022]

The press release issued by the Stop the Wensum Link group on 31 January 2022.

The campaigners want to see a transport plan that actually delivers on the green vision set out in the Transport East consultation[1]. They seek a strategy that:

1. prioritises funding for cycling, walking and public transport;
2. puts a freeze on new carbon-emitting, traffic-inducing road-building;
3. addresses current transport needs rather than ‘unlocking’ thousands of new homes through road-building;
4. takes into account the problems and benefits of different transport approaches. These should include health problems and costs to the NHS caused by air pollution and traffic noise, and benefits such as lower healthcare costs for active populations who cycle and walk regularly.

Suffolk quote:

“It is disappointing that Transport East is perpetuating, in projects selected, the Government line that growth, specifically housing growth along major roads, is good. They have repeatedly said they want to reach zero carbon by 2030. Their proposed strategy, as part of Transport East, contains lots of fancy words about sustainable goals but look closely and the proposed actions and spending are mainly about road building to encourage more driving, more use of airports and more house building.” Cllr Robert Lindsay, deputy leader of the Green, LibDem, Independent Group on Suffolk County Council Council.

Essex quote:

“Transport East’s consultation starts with all the right words, but when you delve into the projects that are proposed, it’s clear that its more of the same: road-based growth. What the region desperately requires is a plan that moves away from road-building and focuses on an integrated rural and urban public transport service and safe cycling routes for school children and commuters. That, perhaps funded by workplace charging, as introduced with great success in Nottingham, will be the only way that we can cut carbon emissions and improve air quality for the people of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.” Rosie Pearson, Campaigner, Essex.

Norfolk quote:

“In Norfolk, road-building has dominated transport planning for decades. Now that is taking us ever further from the net zero target and destroying ecosystems and blighting communities with noise and air pollution. While it is good to see some very positive goals in Transport East’s 30-year strategy, the reality is that still far too much emphasis is being placed on building roads to support car-based travel. It is important to realise that electric cars are not the solution to our problems. They further encourage road-building, do nothing to prevent congestion and encourage urban sprawl instead of walkable communities.” Andrew Boswell, former Norfolk County Councillor and campaigner

Signed by

Cllr James Abbott, leader of the Green & Independent Group on Braintree District Council

Dr Andrew Boswell, Independent Scientist & Consultant, Norfolk

Cllr Jan Davis, Group Leader of the Greens on Broadland District Council Cllr.Jan.Davis@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Dr Pallavi Devulapalli, West Norfolk Green Party d_pallavi@hotmail.com

Colne Stour Countryside Association

Lisa Cross, campaigner and Green Party member.

Alistair Daw, Billericay Action Group, Essex

Edward Gildea, Uttlesford Green Party

Cllr, Robert Lindsay, deputy leader of the Green, LibDem, Independent Group on Suffolk County Council

Andrea Luxford-Vaughan, Mayor of Wivenhoe and Colchester Borough Councillor

Rebekah McGrane, Campaigner, Essex

Rosie Pearson, Planning & Environmental campaigner, Essex

Cllr Tim Regester, Campaigner, Suffolk

Trisha Roberts, Campaigner

Dr Iain Robinson on behalf of Wensum Woodlanders, Norfolk

Michael Staines, Campaigner & Independent Candidate, Essex

Cllr Paul Thorogood, Green Party, Essex

Cllr Lucy Galvin Leader Green Party Group Norwich City Council l.galvin@cllr.Norwich.gov.uk

Cllr Ben Price Leader Green Party Group Norfolk County Council Ben.price.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk

Rosie Pearson
Chair & Co-Founder
Community Planning Alliance
stopurbansprawlnow@gmail.com
https://www.communityplanningalliance.org/

January 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Western Link for NDR options are unacceptable, says NWT [January 2019]

The press release issued by Norfolk Wildlife Trust on 11 January 2019.

None of the proposed routes for the NDR Western Link Road could be built without unacceptable damage to multiple important wildlife sites, warns Norfolk Wildlife Trust, unless there is a significant commitment to mitigation and compensatory habitats.

Four options were shortlisted by Norfolk County Council to link the end of the current Northern Distributor Road (NDR) now called Broadland Northway, on the A1067 with the A47 near to Easton.

The landscape between the A1067 and A47 is a network of habitats that are well-connected and therefore vital for wildlife, including ancient woodlands, grasslands and floodplains.

Whilst a key focus is rightfully to ensure there is no damage to the River Wensum – a site of international importance for wildlife – the landscape contains many significant other areas of importance for wildlife.

Several of these are designated as County Wildlife Sites (CWS), which are the best semi-natural habitats in Norfolk after nature reserves and SSSIs. Further areas locally are also in the process of being designated as CWS within the next few months. The connection between the habitats is of particular importance in this area, to enable wildlife to move through the landscape and not become isolated.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has considered the four options in detail, looking at the direct impacts on the habitats, as well as indirect impacts such as pollution and habitat severance isolating and therefore undermining species ability to survive. All four options are currently unacceptable as they will cause significant damage to multiple CWS and ancient woodlands.

Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Pamela Abbott said: “Without further evidence that the losses to important wildlife sites, degradation of nearby habitats and habitat separation across the landscape can be avoided or properly mitigated, we currently regard all of the options as unacceptable.

“The western link road will lead to direct loss of habitat, the separation of remaining habitats into smaller fragments and impacts on floodplain hydrology as well as increased light, noise, road run-off and air pollution over a considerable distance each side of the road. Severance of the landscape will result in reduced species mobility, whilst increased pollution will likely result in a reduction in habitat quality and species diversity. Both will reduce nearby sites’ and populations’ ability to cope with other environmental changes and increase the likelihood of localised extinctions.”

Without significant commitments to mitigation and compensatory habitat that robustly demonstrate that there would be a net gain for wildlife from the development, Norfolk Wildlife Trust would likely object to any of the shortlisted options if presented as a planning application.

January 1, 2023