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Contact UDC: +44(0)1983 730455; +44(0)1983 856688
Email: post@undercliff.org The
Undercliff Defence Committee, representing residents opposed to the current
proposals for a major road realignment and drainage scheme along the
environmentally sensitive Undercliff Drive between St Lawrence and Niton, has
formally notified Isle of Wight Council that it now intends to apply for a
Judicial Review of the decision in the High Court.
A
'Protocol Letter' has this week been issued to the IW Council, setting out
its intention to take legal action unless the Council withdraws the scheme in
favour of less damaging alternatives and the key procedural and environmental
grounds on a number of issues for application for Judicial Review to be sought
by the committee.
The
resident's committee has stated (see UDC Press Release 25-04-05) that it
remains deeply concerned about the A3055 Undercliff Drive decision, "not least
its failure to properly consider alternatives, damage to the protected unique
landscape and ecology of the Undercliff, threat to water sources, potential
settlement issues for buildings, and procedural irregularities arising from the
consultation".
The
committee also congratulates the Conservatives on their electoral gains on May 5th,
and looks forward to working with them to improve consultation on environmental
issues including protection of the Undercliff from inappropriate development
schemes.
Commenting on the sweeping changes to Isle of Wight Council, environmental consultant Dr Paul K Hatchwell who advises the UDC on environmental issues, said: "The Undercliff Defence Committee looks forward to a more constructive dialogue with the new IW Council as it reviews the poor decisions made by its predecessors on the A3055 scheme, and to working towards implementing more environmentally and economically sustainable solutions that will keep the road open for the future." Dr Hatchwell said members remain keen to meet with the Council to discuss alternatives as soon as possible.
Note
to Editors:
The
Undercliff Defence Committee is a not-for-profit organisation, funded by
charitable donations and subscriptions, active through the individual voluntary
work effort of its supporters, with the following purposes:
To
encourage an informed and active interest in the local environment in both
residents and visitors, and in particular the preservation of the Undercliff
area at Niton, St Lawrence and Ventnor in the Isle of Wight.
To
work for the protection and conservation of the Undercliff area, its
tranquillity, landscape and natural resources, including water sources,
flora and fauna.
To assist in the protection of buildings and other relevant features natural or man-made, and to co-operate with other local and national bodies with similar interests.
To
support and encourage a sustainable approach to transport, recognising in
particular the ground instability of the Undercliff area, and so far as
practicable to encourage the use of appropriate restrictions on vehicular
traffic, particularly of heavy vehicles, in the Undercliff area.
To
promote and encourage the sustainable use of the Undercliff for the
enjoyment of local people and visitors alike, notably through carefully
managed rambling, cycling and field study activities in a way that benefits
both nearby communities and tourists, thus providing further incentive for
these people to become involved in the protection of the Undercliff and its
future.
Undercliff Defence Committee contacts:
Dr
Paul K Hatchwell: 01983 855458: Barbara Wright: 01983 730455
*Planning Application for Stabilisation and Realignment of A3055 between St Lawrence and Niton, Isle of Wight (TCP/26467/A - P/01467/04 & TCP/26467/ - P/01465/04)
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Contact UDC: +44(0)1983 730455; +44(0)1983 856688
Email: post@undercliff.org