Yesterday, Tuesday 10 September, The Planning Inspectorate accepted for examination, an application by Highways England for proposed improvements on the A1 Newcastle Gateshead Western Bypass. The application proposes widening of the A1 south of Gateshead to four lanes, between junction 65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway and three lanes with lane gain between junctions on northbound carriageway to provide additional capacity.
The application was submitted on 14 August 2019 and the decision to accept the application was made in accordance with section 55 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended). (The Planning Inspectorate has 28 days from the day after the date of receipt of an application to decide whether or not to accept it).
The decision and a copy of the application documents can be viewed at the project page on the Inspectorate's National Infrastructure Planning website
The Planning Act 2008 (as amended) sets high standards for applications and places a strong duty upon developers to involve the local community, local authorities and other stakeholders in the development of their proposal, ahead of submission.
Sarah Richards, Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate said: "After careful consideration, we have decided the application submitted by Highways England meets the required tests set out in the legislation to be accepted for examination."
It is now for the applicant to publicise the application has been accepted to proceed to examination and invite people who are interested in the proposal to register with the Planning Inspectorate as an Interested Party by making a Relevant Representation.
Interested Parties in an application can:
- Say what they agree or disagree with in the application and why
- Comment on what other people have said in their representations
- Attend a Preliminary Meeting and say how they think the application should be examined
- Request that an open floor hearing is held
- Attend an open floor or issue-specific hearing
- Request to speak at a hearing.
Sarah Richards said.
"A major priority for us over the next few weeks is to ensure that the people and communities who may be affected by this proposal have the opportunity to give us their views."
