Representation by NFU North West (NFU North West)
- Date submitted
- 2 September 2022
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
In am writing on behalf of the NFU in the North West of England and would like to use this opportunity to highlight the main issues that have been raised by our members who have been impacted by the project. Impact on business viability – some farms are losing a substantial part of their farm and this could lead to their farming businesses not being viable after the A66 project takes their land. The development needs to make every effort to make sure that farm businesses remain viable after the development has taken place. Impact on business operations while construction is taking place – Many farms will be severely impacted during the construction phase of the A66 upgrade. It is vital that suitable arrangements are put in place to make sure that the businesses can continue to operate effectively during this phase. Loss of productive land when food security is climbing up the political agenda – concern has been expresses that the development could see a substantial loss of productive agricultural land at a time when food security is becoming increasingly important. The UK is currently around 60% self-sufficient in food and the importance of reducing our reliance on imparted food has been demonstrated by the recent events in the Ukraine. Action needs to be taken to keep loss of good quality agricultural land to a minimum. A balance also needs to be struck between the loss of good agricultural land particularly when looking at environmental offset.