Government backs bypass through National Park

1 April 2003

The National Parks charity the Council for National Parks (CNP)1 has condemned today’s decision by the Transport Secretary to give the go-ahead to a bypass that will cause serious damage to the Peak District National Park.

The proposed bypass of three villages on the A628 will now enter the Government’s national road building programme.  1.3km of the bypass will cut through the Peak District National Park causing serious damage to the landscape below Tintwistle Low Moor.  Further sections of the road will be raised on stilts which will be highly visually intrusive from the Park.  If constructed, the bypass will also generate significant traffic increases2 on the A628 within the Park leading to increased noise, air and visual pollution through the heart of the Park.

Rachel Reeves, CNP’s transport expert, said: “The preferred route for the bypass was chosen in 1993 following public consultation which did not properly consider the special status of the National Park3 or the extremely sensitive nature of its landscapes.  The fact that the route of the proposed bypass has remained unchanged since that time despite a major shift in the Government’s transport policy and increased emphasis4 on protecting National Parks is a serious disappointment”.

“In recommending this bypass, the Highways Agency has dismissed alternative routes, including one proposed earlier this year by a major landowner in the area5, and alternative measures such as restricting heavy goods vehicle movements and investment in local public transport and walking and cycling schemes.  There are less environmentally damaging ways to tackle the congestion through the villages on the A6286.  We are disappointed that the Government is supporting the Agency’s damaging proposals and will be pressing for the scheme to be fully debated at a public inquiry.”

Contact: Ruth Chambers on 020 7924 4077 ext 222

Notes to editors

1.       The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

2.       According to the Highways Agency, traffic increases on the A628 within the Park would be 70% following construction of the bypass.  Therefore the Highways Agency is proposing installing traffic lights along the corridor and bypass to slow down the traffic and limit traffic increases to 45%.  However, it does not propose to mitigate the impacts of 45% traffic growth (e.g. noise, air and visual pollution) on the A628 through the Park.

3.       The statutory purposes of National Parks are:

a.       To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks; and

b.       To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks.

4.       Environment Act 1995 and Planning Policy Guidance Note No. 7.

5.       This year United Utilities plc, a major land owner in the area, proposed an alternative route for the Mottram, Hollingworth, Tintwistle bypass which has been dismissed by the Highways Agency without any consideration or consultation.

6.       Over 60% of the congestion currently suffered through the villages of Mottram and Tintwistle is local traffic while through traffic constitutes less than 40%.  Building new roads for local traffic leads to traffic generation (SACTRA (1994) Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic) and increased congestion and does not tackle the issue of local car commuters who could be using local public transport, walking and cycling.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222