Representation by Catherine Vigrass, Sarah Shuckburgh and William Shuckburgh (Catherine Vigrass, Sarah Shuckburgh and William Shuckburgh )
- Date submitted
- 4 November 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir / Madam, Ceres Property have been instructed by Catherine Vigrass, Sarah Shuckburgh and William Shuckburgh (“client”) owner of Land registry title EX501256, which is a parcel of land to the east of the B1023 which is within the development boundary of National Highways proposed A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme. Our client’s concerns are set out in these relevant representations. The land is proposed to be permanently acquired to be used as flood plain compensation. The land is productive Grade 3 arable land which is within an arable rotation of high yielding cereal crops. My client has concerns that there seems an unnecessary amount of offsetting land that has been required on this land and in the wider design. In total, the offsetting provided has been a 25.01% gain as per Appendix 9.14 Biodiversity Net gain Report which is well over the statutory requirements and results in an unnecessary loss of productive land. As part of the proposed design there is limited detail on the access to retained fields and the access’s suitability for agricultural use. There is a gas main that runs through the middle of the field which is where National Highways’ proposed infrastructure will be installed. We have not seen support from Cadent that the proposed works would be acceptable with them or if this gas main is being diverted. Our client’s understanding is the cause of the localised flooding in the area is from the collapsed culvert on the B1023 and if this were to be fixed, then they feel there is no need to provide the proposed flood plain compensation on the subject land. National Highways are aware of the damaged culvert and have told us that this will be appraised as an option to solve the flooding issues along the B1023 but we have not seen evidence of such an appraisal. Finally, my client generally feels there has been a lack and poor communication from National highways with their communication with affected landowners. The information has been slow and not detailed. Finally, we feel that they have made little effort to purchase the land by agreement as per their obligation to achieve compulsory purchase powers. We received one letter on 15th August 2022 which showed little intent to purchase the land by agreement and no follow up inquiry. With all the above in mind, our client objects to the scheme in the localised design along the B1023. We reserve the right to amend, extend or withdraw this representation in due course. Yours faithfully, Peter Cole as acting agent