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Norfolk A47: Climate activist wins right to appeal road projects

National Highways Artist's impression of a traffic interchangeNational Highways
Artist's impression of the planned Wood Lane junction between North Tuddenham and Easton

A campaigner objecting to three road schemes has won the right to appeal the legality of the project - at the second attempt.

Dr Andrew Boswell's first legal challenge - against government planning permission for improvements to the A47 in Norfolk - was turned down by the Court of Appeal in July.

His case centres on carbon emissions caused by the road improvements.

The government has been asked to respond to the latest appeal ruling.

In granting Dr Boswell the right to appeal July's decision, allowing the project to go ahead, Lord Justice Coulson said his appeal had "a real prospect of success".

NAtional Highways Artist's impression of the plans to dual the A47 at Blofield and North BurlinghamNAtional Highways
Climate campaigners challenged the plans including dualling the A47 at Blofield and North Burlingham

In a statement Dr Boswell said: "My determination to see carbon emissions properly assessed on road schemes has been vindicated.

"We are not seeing any real reduction in carbon pollution from UK roads, or Norfolk roads, and success in the Appeal Court would have wider implications for the government's failing climate strategy, especially on transport.

"The legal case for appeal from my lawyers is very clear, and very strong, and we will now put all our energies into winning this case."

The three A47 proposals signed off by the government last year were:

  • A new dual carriageway and junctions between Blofield and North Burlingham 
  • Another dual carriageway and junctions between North Tuddenham and Easton   
  • Redevelopment of the Thickthorn junction to the south of Norwich where the A11 meets the A47

Dr Boswell's appeal is against the Secretary of State for Transport.

Andrew Boswell Dr Andrew Boswell, climate campaignerAndrew Boswell
The ruling means climate campaigner Andrew Boswell can now appeal a decision allowing the A47 road projects to go ahead

The plans were first put on hold in December after a judge gave Dr Boswell leave to launch his action, which was funded by 1,500 donors.

It had been hoped the Blofield scheme would be completed in the summer of next year, with the Tuddenham upgrade opening in the winter of 2025.

The Thickthorn redevelopment was scheduled for completion in early 2025.

Chris Griffin, for National Highways in the East, said: "This is a disappointing and difficult turn of events for those who recognise and support the safety case to upgrade this very busy road.

"However, we respect the decision of the court, and will now take some time to consider our next steps ahead of the appeal against the Secretary of State for Transport's decision to grant Development Consent Orders (DCOs) on three A47 improvement projects."

Map showing the planned improvements to the A47
The plans will likely be delayed again as a result of the appeal
presentational grey line

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