Representation by Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail (Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail)
- Date submitted
- 25 August 2021
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
The Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail object to the scheme primarily because it would adversely affect the enjoyment of Trail Users. The local countryside, highly valued for its natural undeveloped character and open views, would be urbanised and the Green Belt would be cut in two. It would increase traffic on adjoining roads that are part of the Trail, increase CO2 emissions (Over 60 years of operation the scheme would add an extra 399,867 tonnes of carbon dioxide) adversely affect air quality and fragment wildlife habitats and hamper efforts to promote Active Travel and modal shift to walking, cycling and the use of Public Transport, thus going against publicly stated government targets. Air Quality Management Areas in Tintwistle and Glossop would still be needed and the increase in traffic will harm the delicate ecology of the Peak District National Park. A proper assessment of alternative options needs to be carried out. However, should the scheme go ahead the Friend’s concern is to ensure that the maximum benefit is achieved for Trail users and other participants in Active Travel in the area. The current A57 route must be re-modelled to give priority to walkers, cyclists and public transport users, otherwise both roads will simply fill up with traffic and there will be a net dis-benefit. Initial discussions with Highways England have identified a number of improvements that could be made to the scheme and we intend to ensure that implementation of these is carried out if the scheme goes ahead. Highways England has a poor record on delivery of Active Travel measures and this must not happen in this case.