Road Building and Conservation

Psamathe
Senior Member

Posts: 352

Road Building and Conservation Apr 14, 2023 11:21:33 GMT

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Post by Psamathe on Apr 14, 2023 11:21:33 GMT

An interesting/depressing report about a new road proposal "Norfolk dual carriageway plan would ‘wreck’ rare bat colony, experts say" www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/14/norfolk-dual-carriageway-plan-would-wreck-rare-barbastelle-bat-colony-experts-say

What I find disappointing is not only the proposal road but how the report highlights how a nearby new road has already destroyed similar bat colonies. Having had some dealings with Norfolk Highways, they don't listen to anybody, will resolutely argue that black is black is white, etc. so I guess if they find the money those bat colonies are "toast".

Ian

Last Edit: Apr 14, 2023 16:09:06 GMT by Psamathe

rowanberry Global Moderator Posts: 3,177	Road Building and Conservation Apr 17, 2023 18:49:38 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by rowanberry on Apr 17, 2023 18:49:38 GMT It is discouraging... and it never seems to stop.

Tringa
Supreme Member

Posts: 2,632

Road Building and Conservation Apr 18, 2023 6:55:23 GMT

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Post by Tringa on Apr 18, 2023 6:55:23 GMT

I thought this comment was interesting from the links above -

"But if Natural England were to make the area an SSSI it could find itself in conflict with the Department for Transport, which must decide whether to fund 85% of the £251m Western Link, a long-held priority for Conservative-controlled Norfolk county council."

If Natural England only protect the natural environment as long as it doesn't conflict with other government policy, is there any point in it existing?

Dave

Psamathe
Senior Member

Posts: 352

Road Building and Conservation Apr 18, 2023 9:24:26 GMT Tringa likes this

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Post by Psamathe on Apr 18, 2023 9:24:26 GMT

Apr 18, 2023 6:55:23 GMT Tringa said:

I thought this comment was interesting from the links above -

"But if Natural England were to make the area an SSSI it could find itself in conflict with the Department for Transport, which must decide whether to fund 85% of the £251m Western Link, a long-held priority for Conservative-controlled Norfolk county council."

If Natural England only protect the natural environment as long as it doesn't conflict with other government policy, is there any point in it existing?

Dave

And presumably if Natural England don't add protection to areas because of Government development plans then it's a very tiny step to removing existing protection from already protected areas when some politician comes up with some highly profitable development (e.g. a new housing estate on a protected area).

Ian

Post by Psamathe on Apr 14, 2023 11:21:33 GMT

Post by rowanberry on Apr 17, 2023 18:49:38 GMT

Post by Tringa on Apr 18, 2023 6:55:23 GMT

Post by Psamathe on Apr 18, 2023 9:24:26 GMT