Plans for Western Link road in doubt due to endangered bats
The £274 million road would connect the Broadland Northway at the A1067 with the A47 at Easton
Plans for the Norwich Western Link Road are in doubt - because of efforts to protect endangered bats in the area.
The £274 million road would connect the Broadland Northway at the A1067 with the A47 at Easton, and has long been hailed as a council priority.
Now, Norfolk County Council says Natural England's new rules giving Barbastelle Bats 'favourable conservation status' will make it 'almost impossible' to get a licence for the road.
In an update to the council yesterday, Kay Mason Billig explained what's been going on behind the scenes: "We've been in dialogue with Natural England for over a year seeking their input and were confident we would secure the relevant license, in order to commence construction.
"We were awaiting the latest comments from Natural England by 29 February but they contacted us to say that 'due to a lack of resources' they could not respond before the 15 March.
"Fair enough you may say, except that on 8 March Natural England issued new guidance notes, moving the goal posts to such an extent that they will make it almost impossible for us to be granted a licence....
"Our officers have checked and double checked the guidance and we have taken legal advice on our position... without that licence, we cannot build the road."
She also confirmed the council "will not sit by and let this project be derailed without a fight", confirming they'll be submitting a planning application, and challenging the moves from Natural England.