County's climate action group objects to Shrewsbury North West Relief Road

Shropshire Climate Action Partnership's (SCAP) working groups focussing on transport and land & biodiversity have reviewed the planning application for the bypass and highlighted three points of objection.

These state that the plans are not "consistent with the need to reduce carbon emissions" by 2030, and that "substantial harm to biodiversity is likely to be caused".

The review adds: "The proposal for the offsetting of the 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent embodied in the construction phase will not work because there are not sufficient offsetting opportunities beyond those required for food, housing and other more essential activities.

"The proposed highway would therefore contribute to a worsening of the climate and ecological crisis."

Mark Fermor, SCAP spokesman, said the review of the application suggests the road would "impede progress towards this essential goal" of being carbon neutral by the end of the decade.

He added: "We therefore object to the planning application as presented. We call on Shropshire Council to withdraw the application to allow time for a fundamental review of transport policies and update to highways plans.

"The objective of such a review must be to align transport to the overriding need to respond to the climate and ecological emergency with a strategy aligned to net zero carbon Shropshire 2030."

It comes after business leaders threw their support behind the £87 million proposal, despite vocal opposition.

Shrewsbury Business Chamber said it will help the area "thrive", claiming it will bring "environmental, commercial and transport benefits for the town and its hinterland".

A planning application for the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road was submitted by Shropshire Council in February.

It states the road would reduce journey times, traffic congestion, noise and pollution in Shrewsbury and the surrounding area, as well as helping to accommodate planned economic growth.

SCAP is a community-led organisation, set up to co-ordinate a collaborative county-wide community response to the climate and ecological crisis. It developed and published the first Zero Carbon Shropshire Plan and is working with businesses, communities and councils to respond to the emergency through a variety of projects.