Representation by Iram Younis
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to this scheme for the reasons stated below: I disagree with the fundamental premise on which the scheme is based. The application refers to strategic routes between Manchester and Sheffield which are needed in order to boost economic activity. I disagree that any route across the Peak District National Park should be considered strategic. The area should be fiercely protected. Furthermore, we are facing a Climate Emergency, the greatest challenge we face as a species. We should not be building new roads which inevitably lead to more traffic. Instead we should be focussing on sustainable solutions and aiming to reduce overall traffic volumes. I don't believe the benefits stated are acheivable - the bypass will do nothing to improve the reliability of journeys between Manchester and Sheffield. It will exascerbate it as it will lead to more traffic on the same unreliable roads. I don't think the consulation was conducted properly and should have been delayed until after the global pandemic. I know many people who hold strong views on the scheme who were not aware of the proposal due to lockdowns, bereavement and loss of employement. A new, more thorough consultation should be conducted in 2 years time once people have had time to recover from the impact of the pandemic.