Representation by Andrew Thompson
- Date submitted
- 31 August 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Significant Alternative Route (Northern Route) Never Offered to the Public The reason given for the Northern route not being offered is that it passes through an AONB. However anyone familiar with the landscapes would appreciate that the land to the North of the existing road is vastly inferior to that to the South. This is the problem with designs made by people not from the area. Initially a majority of local people were for the Northern route (survey by Warcop and Musgrave parish councils Dec 2020), an opinion which has been manipulated by 1) landowners being bought off and 2) promulgation of of one-sided climate and safety data (see later). This has not primarily been a ‘consultation’ but rather a promotion of a pre-determined general plan with widespread tweaks offered to this one plan. Cost of the Route Design to Taxpayer Poor value for money. The current Appleby-Brough and Temple Sowerby sections entail extensive slip roads and underpasses, which a Northern Route would obviate. These sections account for 50% of the costs of the whole route. The Benefit Cost Ratio is under the accepted limit for viability (0.92). Impact on Individuals and Properties My parents live (REDACTED) , Langrigg. Under the current design, their house currently surrounded by fields, would be entirely encircled by sink ponds, access roads to the ponds, slip roads, hard standing and a large unexplained road in an ‘estuary’ shape. Poor Justification of the Scheme The scheme has been justified on grounds of safety and need for increased road capacity. One-sided research has been used to promote these views to the public. (Friends of the Lake District report ignored). Poor Quality of Consultation Poor quality of interaction offered by NH staff in visit to Low Broomrigg March 2021: design of scheme only shown at end of meeting. Estuary shape spur to NW of Low Broomrigg appeared for first time on final design with no previous warning or consultation. NH staff only willing to listen to opinions on topics of their choice. I wouldn’t call it a consultation.