The project, which aims to tackle problems with the current route and to make sure it’s fit for the future, is still at an early stage of development, but Highways England has started to write to farmers along the possible route seeking access to undertake initial environmental walkover surveys.
The survey will require one or two members of their staff walking across the land in question – no vehicular access will be required. The surveys, at this stage, will only be undertaken on greenfield sites and will be visual inspections of the land, animals and vegetation including specific locations such as ponds, trees and watercourses. Ecological features such as bats, breeding birds and types of vegetation will also be noted. Further details on the survey work can be found here.
Stakeholder Reference Group
The NFU has been invited to sit on a Stakeholder Reference Group for the project and once further details are available on the proposed route corridor, the regional team will contact all members directly.
Until then, please contact the North East Team by email or call 01904 451 550 so that we can add you to our database of members affected.