Representation by The Executors of the Late Barry Belchem (The Executors of the Late Barry Belchem)
- Date submitted
- 1 November 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
A12 CHELMSFORD TO A120 WIDENING SCHEME RELEVANT REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTORS OF THE LATE BARRY BELCHEM Introduction: Stanfords act as agent for The Executors of the Late Barry Belchem (“the Client”) of [Redacted] and are instructed to make this formal representation on their behalf to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme. [Redacted] (“the Property”) is a smallholding comprising a farmhouse, a range of traditional outbuildings, stables and paddocks extending, in all, to 10 acres (4.04 ha) or thereabouts. The extent of the Property is shown outlined in red on the attached plan. This plan is for identification purposes only. This representation is based on information available to us as at the date of this submission. The Client reserves their ability to submit further comments pending receipt of more information. Our client strongly objects to the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme will negatively impact the Client in a number of ways, as summarised under the subheadings below. 1) Loss of Land We have studied the latest general arrangement plans in relation to the Property (plans attached) and have summarised the land proposed to be taken by National Highways below. In summary, if the A12 Widening Scheme receives consent, based on the current land plans, this would result in the Clients losing approximately 2.29 acres (0.93 ha) on a permanent basis and approximately 1.70 acres (0.69 ha) on a temporary basis. The proposed area of permanent land take would reduce the size of the property by approximately 25% and thus having a significant impact on the property. Land to be permanently acquired: • Land Plan Sheet 13, Plot Number 11b Purpose for which the land is required: o DCO Work No. 55(a) – The realigned Maldon Road, Kelvedon. o DCO Work No. 56 – The Construction of an attenuation pond including associated outfall and access from the realigned Maldon Road (Work No. 55(a)) to the east of the realigned Maldon Road, Kelvedon (Work No.55(a)) and the north of the altered A12 carriageway (Work No.45(a)). o DCO Work No. U135 – The diversion and undergrounding of overhead 11kV electricity cable ducts and relocation of poles of approximately 100 metres in length from Maldon Road, Kelvedon northbound verge to Bridgefoot Farm, Kelvedon. • Land Plan Sheet 13, Plot Number 11d Purpose for which the land is required: o DCO Work No. 45(a) – The alteration of the A12 of 2882 metres in length, widening of the existing carriageways, new carriageways, including demolition of Brick Kiln Farm, retaining earth structures and tie in works. o DCO Work No. T38 – A haul road of approximately 950 metres in length between the proposed Highfields Overbridge Replacement (Work No.55(b)) and the proposed Ewell Overbridge Replacement (Work No.76), including temporary access and egress onto the A12 northbound carriageway at a point to the east of the proposed realigned Highfields Lane (Work No.55(c)), Kelvedon. • Land Plan Sheet 13, Plot Number 11e Purpose for which the land is required: o DCO Work No.57 – The construction of an attenuation pond including associated outfall and access track from Ewell Hall Chase, to the north of the altered A12 carriageway (Work No. 45(a)). Land to be used temporarily: • Land Plan Sheet 13, Plot Number 11c Purpose for which land is required: o DCO Work No. T38 – A haul road of approximately 950 metres in length between the proposed Highfields Overbridge Replacement (Work No.55(b)) and the proposed Ewell Overbridge Replacement (Work No.76), including temporary access and egress onto the A12 northbound carriageway at a point to the east of the proposed realigned Highfields Lane (Work No.55(c)), Kelvedon. o Construction material storage, construction access, laydown areas, welfare facilities, working area and storage of plant. o Access / working room for construction of temporary soil storage bunds and soil storage area during construction works. Land to be used temporarily and new rights to be acquired permanently: • Land Plan Sheet 13, Plot Number 11a Purpose for which land is required: o DCO Work No. U135 – The diversion and undergrounding of overhead 11kV electricity cable ducts and relocation of poles of approximately 100 metres in length from Maldon Road, Kelvedon northbound verge to Bridgefoot Farm, Kelvedon. 2) Property Impacts The scheme as proposed will have a significant detrimental impact on the Property and therefore its value. The Client is aware they will be entitled to compensation, but they are not satisfied that the scheme, as currently designed, goes far enough to mitigate the impact on the Property. An example of this is that the proposed replacement for Highfields Overbridge will be in an elevated location bringing a visual eyesore much closer to the Property. The scheme design currently provides very little visual or acoustic screening. The Client would like early engagement with the scheme’s designers so as to address these concerns. Should the Client decide to sell the Property whilst the scheme is being constructed, this will clearly have a considerable impact on the sale price. 3) Noise Impacts The existing A12 already creates a certain level of noise pollution but the proposed A12 widening scheme will increase the level of traffic significantly and thereby increase the level of noise pollution. Furthermore, there will be increased noise levels during construction, and this will have a detrimental impact. The Client would like to know details as to how National Highways plan to mitigate the increased levels of noise pollution. 4) Visual Impacts During the scheme’s construction phase, there is likely to be works taking place within approximately 30 metres of Bridgefoot Farmhouse. The land proposed to be occupied by National Highways will become an eyesore for 3-4 years throughout construction and thereafter (dependant on the quality of reinstatement and intended future use). The Client would like to know details as to how National Highways plan to mitigate the visual impacts, during and after construction. 5) Environmental Impacts The proposed scheme will have an adverse impact on wildlife and environmental habitats during and after construction. During construction there will be a significant level of disturbance with large construction machinery operating for long hours of the day, creating noise, visual and physical impacts. Existing habitats will be destroyed and will take many years to recover to their natural state if they recover at all. In turn, landowners will have to work harder to try and protect and recreate existing and new habitats. Such impacts will not only be seen on a local scale but will affect areas along the entire length of the project which will lead to a devasting impact on the environment. The Client would like to know how these impacts will be mitigated. Summary: The A12 widening scheme poses a significant risk to the Property, as well as local communities, businesses and the landscape. It is for this reason that our client objects to the proposal. This severity of the potential impacts arising from the scheme, as proposed, should not be overlooked and we ask that you take the above comments into account in your examination.