Bats threaten to derail £274m roads project

The proposed Norwich Western Link, which runs along a 6.3km stretch from Broadland Northway to Easton, connecting the A1067 road with the A47, was due to start construction in 2026 for completion in 2029. A contract was awarded to Ferrovial Construction in 2021 for the works.

The scheme has already won approval from the Department for Transport and Norfolk County Council was set to start a formal planning application early this year.

But the government’s adviser on the natural environment, Natural England, has now placed “favourable conservation status” on the Barbastelle species of bats, effective from this month.

Norfolk County Council warned that the change in protection for the bats, which are thought to be present in the area where the road is due to be constructed, would make it “almost impossible” for the scheme to receive a licence.

Conservative council leader Kay Mason Billig said, “We know that many Norfolk residents want to see the western link delivered, as soon as possible - to ease congestion and rat-running, to improve safety, to speed up journeys and to boost our economy. And on that basis we are about to submit our planning application. We were confident that we could comply with all requirements and follow Natural England’s advice concerning the measures we would have to take around barbastelle bats.

“Our officers have 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.”

Billig said that the Council would nonetheless submit its planning application and would attempt to challenge Natural England’s rule change, calling for the support of local residents.

She added, “It beggars belief that vital infrastructure projects, which have the backing and funding from central government and the overwhelming support of the local population, can be blocked, on the hoof, without evidence and effectively in secret by such an unelected organisation.”