The NFU have highlighted members’ concerns regarding the National Highways A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project.

National Highways are proposing to improve the A66 between the M6 at Penrith and A1 at Scotch Corner. The project will involve upgrading the single carriageway sections of the road to dual carriageway and making improvements to junctions along the route.

Impact on rural businesses

The NFU met with National Highways on 17 September to discuss the scheme and the impact it may have on members' farms and businesses.

On 24 September, National Highways launched their Statutory Consultation for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, which presented several changes to the proposed Preferred Route design.

Environmental mitigation

The NFU submitted a response to the consultation to highlight members’ concerns on issues including environmental mitigation, balance ponds, underpasses, access, the amount of land to be taken for the scheme, voluntary agreements, impacts on agricultural businesses, rights of way and construction matters.

You can read the consultation response in full here.

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.