A417 Missing Link Moving forward: response to public consultation in 2020 and next steps - National Highways
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A417 Missing Link
Moving forward: response to
public consultation in 2020
and next steps
The scheme Our landscape vision
The A417/A419 provides an important route We recognise the significance of the scheme
between Gloucester, Cheltenham and Swindon and the importance of the Cotswolds Area of
that helps connect the West Midlands and the Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Through
north to the south of England via the M5 and proactive engagement with a number of groups
M4 motorways. While most of the route is dual and organisations at the start of this project, we
carriageway, there is one section that isn’t. agreed a landscape-led scheme vision statement:
Known as the Missing Link, this three-mile stretch
of single carriageway between the Brockworth
bypass and Cowley roundabout severely restricts “We want to create a landscape-led
the flow of traffic. highways improvement scheme that will
deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing
We plan to build 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of new dual road while conserving and enhancing the
carriageway, which will considerably improve special character of the Cotswolds AONB;
road safety, reduce traffic congestion and reconnecting landscape and ecology;
improve connectivity for road users and local bringing about landscape, wildlife and
communities, while unlocking economic growth heritage benefits, including enhanced
in Gloucestershire and beyond. We’re committed visitors’ enjoyment of the area; improving
to delivering the A417 Missing Link scheme with local communities’ quality of life; and
the support of central government, who confirmed contributing to the health of the economy
funding in their second Road Investment Strategy and local businesses.”
(RIS2), published in March last year (2020).
For more detailed information about our landscape-
Scheme objectives led approach to the scheme, read the A417 Missing
Link design summary report.
At the start of the project, we set ourselves clear
objectives for the scheme:
Transport and safety: to reduce delays,
create a free-flowing road network and
improve safety along this stretch of the A417
Environment and heritage: to reduce
the impact on the landscape, natural and
historic environment of the Cotswolds
Purpose of this booklet and, where possible, enhance the
Thank you for taking an interest in this project. Your feedback is important, and it’s helped surrounding environment
shape our plans so far. This booklet summarises how the latest feedback received during our
Community and access: to reduce queuing
public consultation held in autumn 2020 has influenced the plans that we’ve submitted to the
traffic and pollution, improve access for local
Planning Inspectorate. It also talks you through the next steps of the process and how you can
people to the strategic road network and
get involved.
support residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment
of the countryside
For more detailed information about public consultation and how we’ve responded to
feedback, we recommend you read the A417 Missing Link consultation report. Economic growth: to help boost growth
and prosperity by making journeys more
To read the documents published in support of our application, reliable and improving connectivity
visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
2 1
Consultation summary 2020 Safety, traffic and engineering
We’ve been working hard over the last six years Landscape, wildlife and habitats
or so to develop plans to improve the A417 Missing Local access and public rights of way
Link and make the road safer and more reliable
Land, property and business
for all.
Development Consent Order submission,
We’ve held a number of consultations in this time. examination and construction
We first consulted on options in 2018, before
announcing our preferred route in March 2019. In addition, all the information was uploaded to a
You can view the 2018 consultation documents dedicated consultation website, where you could
on our website. submit your feedback online or download our
feedback questionnaire. Hard copies of documents
We’ve since developed and consulted on the were made available on request, with a Freepost
preliminary design of the road. Consultations return address provided. We also held telephone
were held in 2019 and 2020, which gave you the surgeries and in special circumstances, socially
opportunity to have your say. For details of how we distanced meetings with landowners.
responded to feedback received in 2019, read our
booklet A417 Missing Link: Responding to feedback We held online meetings with key environmental
from our public consultation 2019. You can also and specialist stakeholders during this consultation
view the 2019 and 2020 consultation documents by to seek feedback on our revised plans and work
following the website link above. collaboratively on solutions.
In autumn 2020, we held a digital-first consultation. The feedback we received during this consultation
The Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing has helped shape the plans that we’ve now
measures meant that we had to introduce new and submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for approval.
innovative ways for you to view and take part in The feedback, and how we’ve taken it into account,
our consultation online, alongside more traditional is summarised in this booklet.
methods and ways of having your say.
We created an online exhibition and held regular
web chats where the project team was on hand
to answer any questions you had. We also held
a series of online question and answer events
focusing on key themes, including:
2 3
Plans submitted for consent Legend
This map shows some of the improvements we’ve
made as a result of feedback received during our
public consultation in autumn 2020. It also shows A436
the scheme design we’ve submitted to the
Planning Inspectorate for consent. Ullenwood junction
Crickley Hill 2
You can find more detailed works plans are 3
available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. Cotswold Way crossing
4
3
Emma's 1
Grove
Gloucestershire
Way crossing
5
Barrow Wake
8 10
Gloucestershire
Way
Birdlip Radio Station
Cotswold Way National Trail
Shab Hill junction
9
Further scheme improvements
1. Widened the proposed Gloucestershire 5. Reshaped replacement common land,
Way crossing and proposed more planting which will now be adjacent and separate
To Cowley
2. Amended the proposed Cotswold Way to the extended Air Balloon Way
crossing to remove the viewing platform. 6. Added a pedestrian connection between Repurposed A417: The Air Balloon Way Cowley Lane
(the resting area will remain) Cowley Wood Lane and the proposed Air overbridge
3. Added new areas of native, Balloon Way
Birdlip
species-rich grassland and trees to 7. Relocated and refined two proposed car
improve ecological connections between parking areas near Birdlip
Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake Site of 8. Removed a previously proposed public
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) via the right of way connection between the Air
proposed Gloucestershire Way crossing Balloon Way and Barrow Wake car park 3
4. Extended the public right of way on the 9. Altered a proposed public footpath
Stockwell Farm
proposed Air Balloon Way (part of the connecting local routes to Shab Hill so it’s 7 overbridge
repurposed A417), all the way up to the open to all traffic
proposed Cotswold Way crossing 10. Refined accesses to local properties
and businesses 7 6
We’ve put together an Environmental Statement, which summarises the results of our
surveys and our plans for minimising the impact of the scheme. You can view it on the
Planning Inspectorate’s website. A full description of the scheme is provided in Chapter 2, Cowley
junction
while design changes are set out in Chapter 3.
4 © Crown copyright and database r ights 2021 OS 100030649 5
Responding to feedback Recognising that the pub was named after one
The Jenner story
of the first British balloon flights and to retain
Design changes proposed Principle and value of the history of the area we’re proposing to call Edward Jenner, also known as The Father
the repurposed A417 the Balloon War, subject of Immunology, was born in Berkeley in
in autumn 2020 the development to approval by the local authority. We’ll also Gloucestershire, and is famous for developing
continue to work with our stakeholders and look the first smallpox vaccine in 1796.
What you told us What you told us
for more opportunities to celebrate the heritage
We consulted on our updated proposals, including This consultation highlighted again the strong
of the area. As well as immunology, Jenner had a fascination
the following design changes, in autumn 2020: support we have for this scheme. There were some
for hot air balloons. 2 September 1784 at 2pm,
people who raised concerns about the potential
1. New crossings: Cotswold Way and he released a hot air balloon from the courtyard
impact of the new road on the Cotswolds Area of Climate change
Gloucestershire Way crossings of Berkeley Castle, which is thought to have
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the effect We recognise people’s concerns about
travelled 24 miles in total - no mean feat given
2. The change in gradient of the A417 as it that road building has on the environment and climate change, and we’ve assessed the
the infancy of this technology.
climbs the escarpment near Crickley Hill climate change. There were also some objections scheme’s effects on carbon emissions and
3. The design of Cowley junction to the scheme from a few people who were upset the environment as part of our application.
Jenner’s balloon is thought to have landed first
about the loss of the Air Balloon pub, which will be
4. The rerouting of the B4070 to Birdlip via at Kingscote Park near Tetbury, and then again
demolished if the scheme goes ahead. We’ve identified lots of ways of reducing the
Barrow Wake east of Gloucester on the escarpment at Birdlip.
carbon footprint of the scheme. For example, in
5. Improved access for walkers, cyclists and 2020, we changed the gradient of the A417 as it
horse riders, including disabled users
Our response
climbs the escarpment near Crickley Hill from 10
The A417 Missing Link is a critical road
6. The location of replacement common land percent to 8 percent rather than from 10 percent
enhancement scheme that will improve
to 7 percent. This change lowers the carbon
road safety, reduce traffic congestion and
These changes were well received by local people, footprint of the scheme by reducing construction
improve connectivity for road users and local
with 70% of respondents supporting the changes traffic and the amount of soil and rock that
communities, while unlocking economic growth
and only around 10% stating opposition. We needs to be dug out. It also removes the need
in Gloucestershire and beyond. It supports the
received some requests for further improvements. for 1,200 metres of large retaining walls.
economic growth aspirations for the area.
During construction, we’ll also:
Our response Impact on the Cotswolds AONB
Following such positive feedback, we’ve now The Cotswolds AONB is designated for its set targets for carbon emissions
updated our plans. There have also been some special qualities, including landscape, geology, explore the use of renewable energy
further improvements made because of your wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage. generation and electronic equipment and
feedback, which we summarise in the With this in mind, the A417 Missing Link has vehicles at construction compounds
coming pages. been carefully and sympathetically designed.
source recycled or secondary materials from
Landscape has been at the heart of our design
the local area
decisions; we’ve designed the road to fit into the
landscape rather than the other way around. You where possible, use lower carbon materials
can read more about this in our A417 Missing
More information about what we’re doing
Link design summary report.
during construction can be found in our
Construction Traffic Management Plan
The Air Balloon pub on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
The Air Balloon pub needs to be demolished On this website, you will also find our climate
to make way for the new road. While it’s not assessments, which are in Chapter 14 of
a listed building and we’re not required to do the Environmental Statement.
so, we’re going to undertake a detailed historic
building recording as part of the mitigation for
the scheme.
6 7
Public rights of way
What you told us Our response
We’ve not added any additional crossings of of the A417 at Bentham Lane. More crossings
Feedback showed support for the improvements In response to feedback we’ve:
the A417 beyond those consulted upon in would cause additional and unnecessary
we’ve made to public rights of way in the area. extended the proposed Air Balloon Way autumn 2020. This is because the new crossings impacts on the Area of Outstanding Natural
These include the repurposing part of the existing all the way up to the proposed Cotswold we’re already proposing, such as the Cotswold Beauty and local ecology, pose engineering
A417, which will become a five metre wide route Way crossing Way crossing, Gloucestershire Way crossing, risks, and offer poor value for money.
for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, including
added a footpath along the road to connect and Grove Farm underpass, adequately
disabled users.
Cowley Wood Lane to the proposed Air reconnect the Cotswold Way National Trail For more detailed information about the
Balloon Way and the Gloucestershire Way, and provide safe improvements we’re making to local public
There was also wide support for the addition of the
connections to existing and proposed routes. rights of way and how we’ll manage them during
Cotswold Way crossing and the Gloucestershire We’ve also:
To add to this, there is also an existing crossing construction, read our public rights of way
Way crossing and the other improved connections added equestrian holding areas to enable the management plan.
for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, including safe crossing of the proposed B4070 link road
disabled users. A new pedestrian connection will be added to connect Cowley Wood Lane and the proposed
converted the proposed footpath east of Shab
There were requests to do the following: Air Balloon Way
Hill to a byway open to all traffic and users
widen the Cotswold Way crossing removed a previously proposed public right
add a public right of way connection near of way connection between the proposed
Cowley junction Air Balloon Way and Barrow Wake car
park, to reduce potential impacts on this
improve crossing arrangements of the B4070
environmentally sensitive area.
on the proposed Air Balloon Way
amend some public rights of way designations The Cotswold Way crossing will be five metres
to allow more people to access existing and wide which is appropriate for walkers, cyclists
new routes and horse riders, including disabled users,
and consistent with that of the proposed Air
add more crossings of the A417
Balloon Way.
Visualisation of the equestrian crossing on the B4070
Scheme boundary
Proposed Public Rights of Way
Existing Public Rights of Way
Proposed native woodland
Proposed native scrub
Proposed tree avenue
Proposed hedgerow
Proposed limestone grassland
Attenuation basin for water drainage
Drainage ditch
Contours
Proposed embankment
Proposed cutting
Wooden post and rail fence
Wooden post and rail fence (badger proof)
Proposed dry stone wall
Proposed footpath
© Crown copyright and database r ights 2021 OS 100030649
8 9
Impact on property, land their concerns about noise during construction, Local journeys Less traffic will mean that local journeys should
alongside other impacts. Following feedback be quicker and easier.
and business from residents of Birdlip, we’ve amended the What you told us
car parking provision for users of the proposed During consultation, lots of people wanted to At Leckhampton Hill there will be a slight
What you told us
Air Balloon Way to address concerns about know how the new A417 would affect traffic on increase in traffic because there will be a
Throughout the development of this scheme, we’ve
antisocial behaviour. General car parking and local roads. There were questions about the redistribution of traffic travelling from south
continued our discussions with owners of property,
horse box parking will now be located near design and ability of the proposed roundabouts to Cheltenham to Cirencester and on towards
land and business. In particular, we received
the Golden Heart Inn, and a smaller disabled accommodate projected traffic flows. Concerns the M4. Currently, vehicles travel on the A435
requests from landowners to change some access
parking area will be provided off the Stockwell were also raised about the safety of Shab Hill through Seven Springs and then south on the
arrangements, and there were concerns raised by
Farm junction, further away from the village. junction, in particular traffic merging onto the A417. A435. Traffic either stays on the A435 or joins
residents of Birdlip about the impact of new parking
We’ve also clarified with Cowley and Birdlip the A417 via the Highwayman Inn junction
areas proposed nearby. In addition, we were asked
Parish Council that the Old Cirencester Road In addition, we had a lot of feedback about the before travelling south.
by environmental consultees to reduce, move, or
(also known as Ermin Way) will not be opened changes to Cowley junction. While many residents
remove the car park at Barrow Wake as it’s very
up to traffic and therefore not used as a welcomed the fact that we would prevent road With the new road built, our modelling shows
close to the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake Site
through route. users (except immediate residents) accessing that a proportion of this traffic would redistribute
of Special Scientific Interest.
Cowley via Cowley junction, some asked if there onto Leckhampton Hill and then the A436 to
Some environmental stakeholders asked us would be rat running elsewhere, and also wanted join the A417 at Shab Hill as this will be the
Our response to reduce, remove or relocate Barrow Wake clarification about how they would access the A417 quickest and easiest route. We will work with
Following feedback from landowners, we’ve car park. This change would not form part of or their properties following the changes. local stakeholders to ensure this road remains
made several amendments to the scheme. the project, but we’ve offered to help inform or safe for all users.
For example, we’ve changed the access to the facilitate any discussions there might be about Following safety concerns about turning school
Ullenwood Bharat Cricket Club and widened the proposed changes to this car cark. We’ll ensure buses, Cowley and Birdlip Parish Council also
access to Birdlip Radio Station. the A417 scheme is able to accommodate the asked if we would be able to relocate the Birdlip
existing car park, or a future scenario where the school bus stop. Potential rerouting of traffic from
In addition, we’ve looked at the amount of car park might be reduced or removed. south Cheltenham
land required temporarily for construction, and Leckhampton
Our response
Bafford
permanently for access and maintenance, and We’re committed to continued engagement Pilley
Traffic
amended our plans to reduce the impact with stakeholders, including landowners,
With the exception of Leckhampton Hill, there
on the land. throughout the examination, detailed design
will be less traffic on local roads after the A417
and construction stages of the scheme to help
We’re also working closely with local people and Missing Link is built. This is because the A417 A436
address any concerns or queries.
businesses to carefully consider and address will no longer pass through Cowley or Ullenwood Leckhampton Hill
junctions and less congestion and delays and Severn Springs
Bentham Crickley Hill Ullenwood A435
a more free-flowing road will mean users of the Country Park A436
Amended car parking provision for users of the proposed Air Balloon Way
A417 will no longer seek alternative local routes. New road Coberley
Now
A. Proposed disabled parking at Stockwell junction
We’ve undertaken extensive traffic modelling that
A417
utilises the latest traffic growth data currently Shab Hill junction
Birdlip Hill
A available from the Department for Transport. Cowley
A435
The traffic modelling shows that there will be Birdlip
Stockwell
a reduction of traffic in both directions at the
B Lower
Cockleford
following locations: A417
Cowley junction
B. Proposed general and horsebox parking at the Golden Heart Inn through Birdlip
Elkstone
through Elkstone Key A417
Proposed new road scheme
on the A436 between Ullenwood junction Route typically taken now
and the A40 Route likely taken once
A435
new road is built
on the A435 between Cheltenham Diagrammatic map not to scale © Crown copyright
and database rights 2021 OS 100030649
Shepherds Grove
© Crown copyright and database r ights 2021 OS 100030649 and Cirencester A435 A417
10 11
Cowley junction Shab Hill junction Cultural heritage During our surveys, we found a number of
Access to Cowley from Cowley junction will Concerns about traffic merging from Shab interesting artefacts, which are being analysed.
be ‘stopped up’, meaning that there will be a Hill junction onto the A417 have been raised in What you told us We’ve compiled a detailed mitigation plan for the
restriction to general traffic. Signage and other the past. We’ve designed all new junctions to During consultation, there were concerns about the future stages of the project in collaboration with
measures will make it clear that access is for modern safety standards and to accommodate impact of the scheme on the historic environment Historic England and the County Archaeologist
immediate residents only. Access to Cowley future projected traffic flows. Using the latest and archaeology in the area. There were also at Gloucestershire County Council.
Wood Lane will be retained for walkers, cyclists forecast data, we’ve made slight changes to questions about the limited survey data available
and horse riders, including disabled users. We’ll Shab Hill and Ullenwood junctions to ensure this at the time of consultation. Ahead of construction, our team of
finalise this arrangement, including any signage, is the case. archaeologists, under the watchful eye of
surfacing and enclosures such as fencing, Historic England and the County Archaeologist,
Our response
gates and bollards, at the detailed design stage. will monitor digs before work will be allowed to
Our archaeological surveys were ongoing at
Residents from Cowley will be able to access continue. Any interesting archaeological finds will
the time of consultation due to delays in gaining
the A417 via two routes: one connecting into be excavated, analysed and preserved for future
access to the land. We’ve now completed
Cowley junction and one connecting to Shab generations to enjoy.
extensive archaeological surveys of the area.
Hill junction.
Via Cowley junction: vehicles can travel
along the existing road from Cowley village (that
passes Stockwell Farm) via the new Cowley
Lane overbridge, which will connect into a
section of the existing A417 that will be retained.
From there, vehicles will travel past the Golden
Heart Inn public house to the new Cowley
junction to access the new A417.
Via Shab Hill junction: vehicles can travel on
the A435 and A436 to join the A417 at the new
Shab Hill junction.
Proposed route from Cowley to the A417 once
the new road is built
Birdlip school bus stop
We’ve carefully considered the relocation of
Severn Springs
Bentham
Ullenwood Birdlip school bus stop within the land available
Crickley Hill
A436 A435
Country Park as part of the scheme and we’ve discussed
Coberley
opportunities with Cowley and Birdlip Parish
A417
Council and Gloucestershire County
Shab Hill junction
Council officers.
Birdlip Hill
Cowley
A417 A435
Stockwell We’ve offered to inform or facilitate any future
Birdlip
discussions about the bus stop and access
arrangements. We want to reassure people
Key Cowley junction
that we’ll not adversely impact the existing bus
Proposed new road scheme
Via Cowley junction stop arrangement, and if required, we’ll be able
Via Shab Hill junction A417 to accommodate a relocated bus stop if it falls
Diagrammatic map not to scale © Crown copyright
and database rights 2021 OS 100030649
within our scheme boundary.
12 13
Landscape
We’ve added a landscape bund at Crickley Hill What are they?
What you told us between Fly up 417 bike park and Grove Farm False cutting = man-made embankments on either side of the new road to help reduce noise
While we’ve gone to great lengths to help ensure to help screen the views of the road, particularly and help hide the road.
the road is integrated into the special landscape of from Barrow Wake and the Cotswold Way
the Cotswold AONB, there were requests for more National Trail between The Peak and Barrow Landscape bund = earth bank with plants and trees to help hide the road. ign stages
screening and planting to help hide the road and Wake. It will ensure minimal impact on views as
protect the area’s unique views. shown in the 15-year visualisation on page 15.
Cross section showing landscape bunds used to screen views of the road
We also received comments about the proposed We’ve also redesigned landscape bunds south
Cotswold Way crossing, in particular the materials of Shab Hill, extended the false cutting on the
it will be built from and its impact on the landscape. north-west bound side of the road all the way Plants and trees to help hide the road
People also wanted to know what surfaces we will to Shab Hill and added a false cutting to the
use on the other proposed crossings and the Air north-east side of Shab Hill at Coldwell Bottom.
Balloon Way. All of these changes will better integrate the road
into the landscape and further reduce noise and
screen the views of the road.
Our response Earth bank
As mentioned earlier in this booklet, we’ve In addition, we’ll remove planting on the south
designed the road to fit in with this unique side of Barrow Wake car park to reduce the
landscape. At every stage, design decisions impact on the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake
have been made with this special landscape Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We’ll
in mind. also add planting around new drainage basins
to integrate them into the landscape and add View from Barrow Wake showing the benefit of planting and screening of the road
Following consultation in autumn 2020 we’ve hedgerow and avenue trees on Cowley Lane Baseline
made some improvements to the scheme. to improve landscape connectivity.
Map showing locations of landscape bunds which will help screen the views of the road
1 year
15 years
To view larger versions of these and other visualisations see Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement.
14 15
To minimise the impact on the landscape, we’ve When it comes to materials and surfacing, we will
altered the design of the Cotswold Way crossing, finalise this at the detailed design stage following
making it more slender, and removed the viewing approval of the scheme. See the A417 Missing Link
area. The resting area will, however, remain. design summary report for more details.
The Cotswold Way crossing
The Cotswold Way crossing from Cold Slad Lane
Preliminary design Detailed design
High level plans are developed in consultation Detailed plans are developed ahead of construction.
with local people and key stakeholders. These For example, details of surfacing, signage and
plans enable us to carry out assessments and materials will be refined in consultation with the
apply for Development Consent. appointed contractor and Gloucestershire County
Council as the highways authority.
At this stage, there will be further opportunities
for our stakeholders and local interest groups to
be involved.
16 17Habitat and ecology Our response
Biodiversity net gain Department for Environment and Rural Affairs
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to and Natural England are currently developing
Extra planting helps wildlife move around more easily
development that leaves biodiversity in a better a BNG calculator that uses set criteria to score
state than it was before. habitats before and after construction to check
if there is a loss or gain in biodiversity. This is
While it is not a legal requirement for nationally a slightly different way of looking at BNG and
significant infrastructure projects such as this even though it’s still in development and not a
to achieve BNG, we’re a responsible developer requirement, we’ve applied this calculation to
and through the design process have sought to the project.
maximise biodiversity improvements wherever
we can. Despite gains in habitat and biodiversity
across the project, the current calculator shows
As part of this scheme, we’re planting lots a negative score, as the habitats we’re creating
of new, native and high-quality woodland, such as limestone grassland, while appropriate
grassland, trees and hedgerows to help to the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural
preserve and create additional habitats for local Beauty do not score very highly in the calculator.
wildlife in the area.
If we were to plant higher scoring plants in the
We’ve worked collaboratively with environmental AONB, for example brambles, the calculator
stakeholders, including Natural England, and will would show a gain, but this approach would not
create more important habitats than we’re taking be appropriate.
What you told us Landscape integration and habitat creation
away. They’ve agreed that the habitats we create
During consultation in autumn 2020, environmental Here are some of the positive things we are doing
should be right for the local area, in keeping with We’re continuing to work with local landowners
stakeholders scrutinised our plans and asked us to to benefit the area:
the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to explore further opportunities for creating more
continue looking at ways to maximise biodiversity.
and help improve connections between existing of the right habitats and improving biodiversity in
local habitats. the local area.
Environmental stakeholders welcomed the addition
of the Gloucestershire Way crossing but requested
that it be wider and that we add areas of limestone,
species-rich grassland and trees between the
crossing and the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake 75.41 5.61 4.34
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so that
wildlife can move more easily over the crossing and hectares of miles of hectares of new
to the SSSI. Some people also requested that we new limestone new hedgerows* scrub,such as small
grassland* bushes and trees*
add planting to the Cotswold Way crossing to help
wildlife cross the road.
In addition, they raised concerns about the impact
of the new B4070, Barrow Wake roundabout and
the proposed public right of way on the SSSI.
6.8 25.57
miles of new hectares of new
Cotswold native woodland*
drystone walls*
*these numbers are taken from the Environmental Statement.
18 19In addition, we’re making several changes to shape to allow us to extend the proposed Air
The Gloucestershire Way crossing reduce the impact of Barrow Wake roundabout Balloon Way all the way up to the Cotswold Way
and the B4070 on the SSSI. The footprint of crossing. It will be planted to help connect it with
the Barrow Wake roundabout has been made other nearby habitats such as the SSSI.
smaller and we’re also making the earthworks
on the western side of the B4070 steeper to This means we can now remove the public right
minimise land take. of way adjacent to the SSSI, and route walkers,
cyclists and horse riders along the proposed
We’ve also altered the boundary of the Air Balloon Way instead of through the Barrow
replacement common land. It remains in the Wake car park.
same location but is now a slightly different
Public right of way
Map showing replacement common land and proposed Air Balloon Way arrangements
Wildlife corridor planted with native grassland
The Gloucestershire Way crossing Ecological surveys have informed the design
In response to feedback from environmental of all the crossings on the scheme and where
stakeholders, we’ve widened the Gloucestershire needed, we’ve provided crossings for wildlife.
Way crossing from 25 metres to 37 metres. For example, we’ve added lots of planting to
By doing this, we’ve increased an area of native the Gloucestershire Way crossing, Cowley
grassland planting, which will make it easier for overbridge and Stockwell Farm overbridge.
wildlife to use the crossing. We’ve also added We’re also proposing a bat underpass near
new areas of native, species-rich grassland and Dog Lane.
trees to help wildlife move between the crossing
and the SSSI. Further planting on the Cotswold Way Crossing
would not serve an effective ecological purpose
The Cotswold Way crossing
and would require a larger structure within the
We’ve not added planting to this crossing
landscape, resulting in unnecessary adverse What is common land
because its primary purpose is to provide a safe
impacts on the Cotswold Area of Outstanding It is land where people, other than the landowner, may have certain traditional rights, for example to
crossing of the A417 for users of the Cotswold
Natural Beauty, additional land take graze their livestock or to collect wood. The public also usually have the right to roam over common
Way National Trail.
and cost. land on foot. This means you can use it for activities such as walking and running. You cannot use
the land for horse riding, cycling or access it in a vehicle.
20 21Water and drainage Next steps
We’ve now submitted our Development Consent The examination and decision making process will
What you told us Our response
Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate. take around a year and further information about
There were concerns raised around impact of the In response to feedback, we’ve moved some of
this process and how you can get involved can
scheme on natural ground and surface water levels. the drainage basins and amended our drainage
The Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Specifically, we were asked to move some of the strategy to ensure that natural ground water and
Secretary of State) will now examine the application Alternatively, you can watch the following video:
proposed water drainage basins to better, more surface water levels are adequately managed
through written representation and public hearings, How to have your say on Nationally Significant
effective locations. once the new road is built. This has been done
and then make a recommendation to the Secretary Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
in discussion with the Environment Agency.
of State for Transport, who will decide on whether
We’ll have to remove a bat roost to make way for
or not the scheme should go ahead. Subject to approval, we expect to start work in
a new drainage basin but to compensate, we’re
2023, and the road to open for traffic in 2026.
building a new bat barn.
Timeline
Options Development Construction
1 2 3 4
Statutory
5 6
Construction
7
Option Option Preliminary procedures Construction commissioning
identification selection design preparation Close out
and powers and handover
A place to visit and enjoy
We want to leave a positive legacy for local Statutory public Decision by
consultation Secretary
communities and visitors to the area. We’re autumn 2019 of State -
Options for Supplementary autumn 2022 Road open for
proposing a scheme with long-lasting benefits. public consultation statutory public traffic summer 2026
consultation
It will not only improve the long-term safety and autumn 2020
reliability of the A417, but it will also boost the local Project Preferred route Submission Start of construction Close out
initiated announcement of DCO winter 2022/2023
economy by making it a more attractive area to live, March 2019 application - May 2021
work, explore and visit.
We’ll make local journeys and reduce rat
running through local villages. We’ll also create You can keep up to date with updates about scheme progress and consultation
new open spaces and enhance the footpath, by visiting our website, emailing us or following us on Twitter or Facebook:
cycling and bridleway network, providing safe, fully
accessible routes from the Brockworth bypass
to Stockwell, Cowley and beyond. This will help www.highwaysengland.co.uk/a417-missing-link
improve local people’s quality of life.
a417missinglink@highwaysengland.co.uk
@HighwaysSWEST
Facebook@HighwaysSWEST
22 23Notes 24
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