Southern Link Road public inquiry begins this week

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Monday, 29 October 2018 00:00

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

A public inquiry into Herefordshire Council’s compulsory purchase and side road order as part of the Southern Link Road project is due to begin tomorrow.

Secretary of state for transport Chris Grayling called the inquiry which will begin at 10am on October 30, at the Left Bank in Hereford, and is expected to last up to eight days.

The council is seeking compulsory purchase powers to support the construction of the Southern Link Road as part of their South Wye Transport Package which was given planning permission in July 2016.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member infrastructure, said: “This public inquiry is concerned with land acquisition; not with arguments for or against the Southern Link Road. We are confident that we have the strongest possible case to justify the orders and we welcome the opportunity to present this to the inquiry.

“The Southern Link Road is the first phase of the Hereford bypass, which will improve transport in Hereford for residents, businesses and visitors, encourage the growth of businesses and the development of new housing, and promote health and wellbeing through reduced traffic congestion and improved walking and cycling options.

“The Southern Link Road is one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure to be developed in Herefordshire in decades, and we look forward to starting works on site early next year.”