The scheme is currently in its formal consultation phase, responses to which will be summarised and included in the Development Consent Order which the Highways Agency is due to submit to the Planning Inspectorate later this year. The Secretary of State’s decision to give the go ahead to the scheme will be based on an examination of the Development Consent Order (DCO), and that’s why the Chamber believes it is so important that the weight of support for the scheme is represented in the DCO.
John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We believe that increasing capacity along this route is crucial to unlocking future economic growth not just regionally but nationally. Businesses across the UK are negatively impacted by the delays caused by this inadequate infrastructure on a daily basis already, so infrastructure with sufficient capacity to meet the demands of those businesses as we expect them to grow, and the new housing developments we are expecting to build, must be a top priority.
“Inevitably there will be some who do not believe that the widening and improvements to this route are necessary and that’s why it is so important that everyone who does believe in the importance of these improvements speaks up so ensure that support is reflected in the Development Consent Order.”
Responses to the consultation can be made by completing an online questionnaire, which takes just a few minutes. You can simply tick the boxes to voice your support and say that you agree with the proposed route, or you can make representations in more detail. The questionnaire asks whether you believe there is a need to make improvements, whether the proposed route will fix the problems and meet future needs and if you believe enough is being done to mitigate environmental impacts. The survey also gives opportunity to comment on particular areas of the scheme.
Complete the survey: http://bit.ly/A14question
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