This was the front page headline as carried in the Torbay Weekender on 5/12/02. The article (written by Glenn Price) goes on to outline how Devon County Council and Torbay Borough Council have issued a joint statement "that a detailed ecological study will be undertaken to ensure the strongest possible case for the proposed A380 bypass and to comply with European and UK law". |
The study (costing £120,000) will produce a detailed environmental study, which by law has to accompany a planning application.
Of particular interest will be the movement and feeding areas of local lesser horseshoe bats. Also under threat are the cirl buntings known to frequent Kerswell Downs.
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This work will delay the planning application (due in the spring of 2003) for between 9 and 12 months. However, the concern for us all should be that such reports tend to reflect the wishes of whoever commissions them. In this case, the information gained appears to be motivated by a desire to "minimise the effect on wildlife". Both councils remain committed to the building of the bypass. This statement therefore accepts that environmental damage will be caused. Do any of us believe that these creatures will stay around after heavy plant has been working in the immediate area for two to three years, or after repeated blasting of the limestone at Kerswell Down, a necessity to excavate the huge cuttings required for this proposed route?
You can read a very informative page about cirl buntings on the RSPB web site.
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