National Highways are proposing to upgrade an approximately 8.5 mile section of the A358 between the M5 at Taunton and the Southfields roundabout on the A303.

The scheme is part of a long-term aim to create a dual carriageway link between London, the South East and the South West.

The impact on farms

National Highways launched a consultation on their primary design for the preferred route which closed on 22 November. The NFU met with members to discuss the impact of the scheme on their farms and businesses on 16 November.

The NFU submitted a response to the consultation which highlighted members’ concerns including specific issues on the Mattock’s Tree Green Junction to Griffin Lane, the Griffin Lane to Ashill Junction and the Ashill Junction to Southfields Roundabout.

Unwanted access

The NFU also raised issues including unwanted access, the use of laybys, consultation with landowners, the amount of land to be taken for the scheme, environmental mitigation, balance ponds, rights of way, access to farmland, construction matters and voluntary agreements.

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.