Campaigner wins right appeal against expansion of A47 in Norfolk
Environmental campaigners claim the government has failed to assess the impact of carbon emissions of expansion plans
An environmental campaigner has won a fresh chance to appeal against plans to expand the A47 in Norfolk, this time taking the case to the Court of Appeal.
Dr Andrew Boswell, a Green Party member and climate activist is aiming to halt several separate expansion schemes, including the dualing of the road between between Blofield and North Burlingham.
Other schemes include improvments between North Tuddenham and Easton, the expansion of the Thickthorn junction and the Norwich Western Link road.
Dr Boswell argues the government has not properly considered the impact of the road-building schemes on the environment.
He wrote: “My determination to see carbon emissions properly assessed on road schemes has been vindicated."
"Lord Justice Coulson has given permission for the Court of Appeal to hear this issue because as he says it ‘has a real prospect of success’.
"We are not seeing any real reduction in carbon pollution from UK roads, or Norfolk roads, and success in the Appeal court would have wider implications for the Government’s failing climate strategy, especially on transport.
"To get this far is a win for all those concerned about the climate breakdown which we have seen unfolding before our very eyes this year.
"The legal case for appeal from my lawyers is very clear, and very strong, and we will now put all oiur energies into winning this case.”
All schemes except the Norwich Western Link have been on hold since last year to allow for the judicial review to take place.
National Highways claims the improvements to the A47 are essential to tackling congestion in Norfolk.