Press Releases for 2005

J10A CONSULTATION DELAYED AGAIN

12th April 2005

The Highways Agency has informed Ashford Green Party that the consultation on the proposed Junction 10a of the M20 will not take place until about the end of 2005 (1). This is the 2nd delay to this consultation, originally scheduled for Autumn 2004 and then for March 2005. Construction of housing planned for areas like Cheeseman's Green cannot take place without an additional junction. Ashford Green Party opposes the construction of this junction, believing that it will be environmentally very damaging and that resources intended for it are actually needed for health care, schools, and facilities for the elderly and young people. Steve Dawe comments:

"Joined up planning seems to be an impossibility with the all too numerous agencies created by Government. Local authorities have only about a quarter of the budget of the Government's quangos, and lack authority to proceed with any significant projects. Ashford Green Party welcomes the delay as we would prefer to see expansion constrained by flood plain issues, removal of agricultural land and loss of green belt which would all follow if Junction 10a is built. People and the environment should come first: services must be improved in Ashford to address existing unmet needs."

ENDS C199 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, on 01233 645167 or 07747 036192.

Notes:
1. Sue Godman at the Highways Agency said: "Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding the delay in the Public Consultation on J10a of the M20 at Ashford in Kent. My colleagues have informed me that the reason for the said delay is that the Highways Agency are awaiting assurance from Ashford Borough Council as to the location of the development that will be brought forward by the Greater Ashford Development Framework as this may have an impact on the location of the proposed link road connecting the new junction to the A2070. The Agency will be reviewing the programme once we have that assurance but it is now unlikely that we will be able to consult formally on the scheme much before the end of the year. Ashford Borough Council will be consulting separately on the Greater Ashford Development Framework and they will be able to help you should you require further information about the timing of that process."

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13th April 2005