DfT delays another DCO decision

10/01/2023
Chris Ames

The transport secretary has postponed the planning decision on another of National Highways’ major schemes 'to allow for further consultation on a number of outstanding issues'.

Currently costed at £50m-£100m, the scheme involves a new stretch of dual carriageway that would largely follows the existing A47 at the Wansford end but would cross to the north and run parallel to the existing A47 after the Scheduled Monument.

The existing single carriageway for westbound traffic across the A1 bridge at Wansford would be kept the same.

In a written ministerial statement published on Monday, Department for Transport (DfT) minister Huw Merriman MP said he had been asked by transport secretary Mark Harper to make a statement about National Highways’ application under the Planning Act 2008 for the proposed A47 Wansford to Sutton scheme.

Under the Planning Act 2008, the transport secretary must make his decision within three months of receipt of the examining authority’s report unless exercising a power to extend the deadline, which requires a statement to Parliament.

Mr Harper received the report on the scheme on 11 October 2022 and the deadline was 11 January 2023 but has been extended to 17 February ‘to allow for further consultation on a number of outstanding issues and to allow sufficient time for the analysis of responses to the consultation’.

Mr Merriman added that the decision to extend the deadline is ‘without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant development consent’.

During the second (2020-25) Road Investment Strategy (RSI 2), ministers have repeatedly delayed decisions on planning applications after receiving the report of the examining authority (the Planning Inspectorate).

In its Annual Assessment of National Highways' performance 2021 to 2022, the Office of Rail and Road noted that the company faced ongoing risks to delivery of its RIS 2 enhancements programme, including planning issues.

The assessment noted that the scheme’s planning examination was due to end in quarter 2 of 2022-23 and that it was at the time ‘on target’ to meet its start of works and open to traffic dates.

In response to the delay, National Highways said it remains confident in its proposals.

Latest Issue

latest magazine issue

 

ALSO INSIDE:

  • Exclusive: Smart Motorways
  • Are you AI protected?
  • Traffex Parkex Evex Cold Comfort
View the latest issue


Highways jobs

Multi Skilled Operatrive x4

£22,737.00 - £29,269.00, Career grade 3-6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking enthusiastic and capable colleagues to join our Highway Operations team that forms part of the Highway Network Management. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Supervising Technician

£33,024.00 - £35,745.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
The purpose of this role is to support the Workshop Manager you will be required to work closely with other Supervising Technicians. Newton Bar Depot, Central Vehicle Workshops, Newton Bar, Wakefield WF1 2TU
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Heavy Vehicle/Plant Apprenticeship

Age dependent (Under 18 yrs - £12,347, 18-20 yrs - £16,591, 21+yrs - £22,071)
The programme can start to build your career, or help you to re-train, becoming a valued, recognised and rewarded team member. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Senior Engineer - Highways and Drainage

£40,221 - £44,428 + 12% Attraction + Retention Payment equating to actual pay £45,047 - 49,759
This is an exciting opportunity to join us as a Senior Engineer. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Service Manager - Highways (Asset and Traffic)

£48,474 to £51,515
A vacancy has become available for a Service Manager to join and manage our successful Highways Assets and Traffic team. Torbay, Devon
Recruiter: SWISCo

Traffic Management Technician - WMF1090e

Salary £26,421 - £27.334
This is a role for Traffic Management Technician to be based in the Eden area. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Arboricultural Consultant

£26100 - £30706 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Assistant Arboricultural ConsultantPermanent, Full TimeUp to £30,706 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanic

£27,507 - £29,418
You will need to be suitably experienced, hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent). Derby
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
You will play a lead role on all major highway development proposals across West Northampton. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Planning & Data Manager - CMB1061e

£62,273 - £65,017
Cumberland Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking authority dedicated to enhancing public services Cumbria
Recruiter: Cumberland Council

Transport Planner (Area Travel Plans) OCC616326

£39,186 - £42,403 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

2x Technical Lead (Area Travel Plans) OCC616320

£43,421 - £46,464 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Assistant Transport Planner OCC616317

£29,269 - £32,076 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
We are looking for an experienced and talented professional to join West Northampton Council as our Highways Development Principal Engineer. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Structural Highway Maintenance – Highway Engineer

£36,648 - £39,186 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven and self-motivated engineer to join our Structural Highway Maintenance Team. Warwickshire / Countywide
Recruiter: Warwickshire County Council

Highway Asset and Development Manager

Grade N Scp 50 £59,031 to Scp 53 £62,076, plus car allowance
To be responsible for leading, developing and delivering an effective, efficient and safe Highway Asset Management Service Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bolton Council

Highways Engineer

£37,336 - £39,186
Wiltshire Highways – Enhancing Lives, Building Communities Wiltshire
Recruiter: Wiltshire Council

Engineer

£40,221 - £51,515
As part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, you will play an important role in designing innovative urban transport and public realm projects 100 Temple Street Redcliff Bristol BS1 6AN
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £23344 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Full Time and Part TimeUp to £23,344 per annum (FTE)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Parking Finance and Debt Officer RBKC616576

£37,575 - £41,286 per annum
In Kensington and Chelsea, we put local people and local businesses at the heart of decision-making Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Highways Presents

 


Latest Video