Farmers affected by a major highway scheme are being supported by the NFU.

The A1 is one of the country’s longest roads, connecting London and Edinburgh. The A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Ellingham scheme aims to increase capacity by dualling two single carriageway sections of the A1 in Northumberland. The preferred route was announced in September 2017.

The scheme has previously been promoted as separate schemes known as the A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Felton and A1 in Northumberland: Alnwick to Ellingham, however these schemes have now been combined into the A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Ellingham Project. Highways England launched a consultation on this combined scheme and their Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) on the 16 April. The NFU has submitted a response to the consultation on behalf of the members affected. Our response highlights a range of matters including the treatment of soils, drainage, access to land and landowner engagement. Please see the full response at the bottom of the article.

Highways England intends to submit a single application to the Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order (DCO), which would provide compulsory purchase powers to proceed with the scheme. Highways England intends to submit their application to the Planning Inspectorate at the end of May.

The NFU will be working with members and their land agents to ensure that members’ interests are represented throughout the scheme. If you are a member who is affected by the scheme, and have not already done so, please register with your regional office to ensure your interests are represented by the NFU.

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