Representation by Rachel Downham
- Date submitted
- 6 September 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am objecting to the proposed A57 scheme for the following reasons: The scheme does not offer a solution for the congestion, air pollution and climate emissions that would result. Alternatives to building new road capacity are not being pursued– for example a ban on lorries, sustainable transport measures, and technological improvements. The scheme would increase traffic. This conflicts with national policies to cut climate change emissions and shift car journeys to walking, cycling and public transport. Over 60 years the scheme would add an extra 399,867 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This conflicts with the Paris Agreement, the national Sixth Carbon Budget and the National Planning Policy Framework which requires ‘radical reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrogen dioxide air pollution remains above the legal limit in some areas and the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone has been excluded from the air quality modelling. The road would harm vital wildlife habitats such as wet grazing meadows, and protected species such as bats and barn owls. The Peak District National Park is a haven for wildlife, carbon storage and a place where everyone can get outdoors and enjoy nature. More traffic on roads would harm these special qualities.