Representation by Lauren Ferson
- Date submitted
- 3 September 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the A66 dualling project principally due to the level of Carbon generated. This road is the 3rd highest carbon producer of all road projects. NH cannot suggest the justification for proceeding to build this road is economic benefit, as even on its own costings, NH have confirmed the BCR of this project is minus one . Ordinarily the project would not proceed as there is no cost benefit to the tax-payer. I particularly object to the Temple-Sowerby -Appleby Section. Why are NH being allowed to roll 9 different road project each with different characteristics into one application. This is nothing other than an attempt to push through schemes that would never proceed on their own merits by combining them with others. Each of the 9 sections should be judged on its own merit. The Section at Kirkby Thore is the most expensive both is cost and carbon production. NH have consistently refused to release costings for this section saying they do not exist. The public should know this information and it should have been available at the route selection stage. As this cost of this project is now moving towards two billion (even before inflation is factored in) the section at Kirkby Thore (which accounts for 27 %) is presumably going to cost 500 million approx. How can it be possible that the taxpayer is being asked to pay 500 million to increase flooding risk and pollution in the Eden river, increase Carbon emissions. dig up farmland and expose a village to noise, air, light and tyre pollution. The TS- Appleby section should not be rolled up the other sections. It is in the setting of an AONB, a Special Area of Conservation and a SSI. The village of Kirkby Thore, where I spend significant amount of time, will become an island trapped between two roads. I ask the Planning Inspectorate to consider each section on its own merits and not fall into the trap laid by NH of trying to bulldoze through development in unique areas of the countryside by linking them with others. The main improvement to the A66 will be gained by resolving the build up of traffic at the M6 and Carleton roundabouts. That stage represents the most effective improvement to the A66 and should be built first.