A417 Missing Link Moving forward: response to public consultation in 2020 and next steps The scheme Our landscape vision The A417/A419 provides an important route We recognise the significance of the scheme between , and Swindon and the importance of the Area of that helps connect the West Midlands and the Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Through north to the south of via the M5 and proactive engagement with a number of groups M4 motorways. While most of the route is dual and organisations at the start of this project, we carriageway, there is one section that isn’t. agreed a landscape-led scheme vision statement: Known as the Missing Link, this three-mile stretch of single carriageway between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout severely restricts “We want to create a landscape-led the flow of traffic. highways improvement scheme that will deliver a safe and resilient free-flowing We plan to build 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of new dual road while conserving and enhancing the carriageway, which will considerably improve special character of the Cotswolds AONB; road safety, reduce traffic congestion and reconnecting landscape and ecology; improve connectivity for road users and local bringing about landscape, wildlife and communities, while unlocking economic growth heritage benefits, including enhanced in and beyond. We’re committed visitors’ enjoyment of the area; improving to delivering the A417 Missing Link scheme with local communities’ quality of life; and the support of central government, who confirmed contributing to the health of the economy funding in their second Road Investment Strategy and local businesses.” (RIS2), published in March last year (2020). For more detailed information about our landscape- Scheme objectives led approach to the scheme, read the A417 Missing Link design summary report. At the start of the project, we set ourselves clear objectives for the scheme:

„ Transport and safety: to reduce delays, create a free-flowing road network and improve safety along this stretch of the A417

„ Environment and heritage: to reduce the impact on the landscape, natural and historic environment of the Cotswolds Purpose of this booklet and, where possible, enhance the Thank you for taking an interest in this project. Your feedback is important, and it’s helped surrounding environment shape our plans so far. This booklet summarises how the latest feedback received during our „ Community and access: to reduce queuing public consultation held in autumn 2020 has influenced the plans that we’ve submitted to the traffic and pollution, improve access for local Planning Inspectorate. It also talks you through the next steps of the process and how you can people to the strategic road network and get involved. support residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of the countryside For more detailed information about public consultation and how we’ve responded to feedback, we recommend you read the A417 Missing Link consultation report. „ Economic growth: to help boost growth and prosperity by making journeys more To read the documents published in support of our application, reliable and improving connectivity visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

2 1 Consultation summary 2020 „ Safety, traffic and engineering We’ve been working hard over the last six years „ Landscape, wildlife and habitats or so to develop plans to improve the A417 Missing „ Local access and public rights of way Link and make the road safer and more reliable „ Land, property and business for all. „ Development Consent Order submission, We’ve held a number of consultations in this time. examination and construction We first consulted on options in 2018, before announcing our preferred route in March 2019. In addition, all the information was uploaded to a You can view the 2018 consultation documents dedicated consultation website, where you could on our website. submit your feedback online or download our feedback questionnaire. Hard copies of documents We’ve since developed and consulted on the were made available on request, with a Freepost preliminary design of the road. Consultations return address provided. We also held telephone were held in 2019 and 2020, which gave you the surgeries and in special circumstances, socially opportunity to have your say. For details of how we distanced meetings with landowners. responded to feedback received in 2019, read our booklet A417 Missing Link: Responding to feedback We held online meetings with key environmental from our public consultation 2019. You can also and specialist stakeholders during this consultation view the 2019 and 2020 consultation documents by to seek feedback on our revised plans and work following the website link above. collaboratively on solutions.

In autumn 2020, we held a digital-first consultation. The feedback we received during this consultation The Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing has helped shape the plans that we’ve now measures meant that we had to introduce new and submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for approval. innovative ways for you to view and take part in The feedback, and how we’ve taken it into account, our consultation online, alongside more traditional is summarised in this booklet. methods and ways of having your say.

We created an online exhibition and held regular web chats where the project team was on hand to answer any questions you had. We also held a series of online question and answer events focusing on key themes, including:

2 3 Plans submitted for consent Legend This map shows some of the improvements we’ve made as a result of feedback received during our public consultation in autumn 2020. It also shows A436 the scheme design we’ve submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consent. Ullenwood junction Crickley Hill 2 You can find more detailed works plans are 3 available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. crossing

4 3 Emma's 1 Grove Gloucestershire Way crossing 5 10 8 Gloucestershire Way Birdlip Radio Station

Cotswold Way National Trail Shab Hill junction

9

Further scheme improvements

1. Widened the proposed Gloucestershire 5. Reshaped replacement common land, Way crossing and proposed more planting which will now be adjacent and separate To Cowley 2. Amended the proposed Cotswold Way to the extended Way crossing to remove the viewing platform. 6. Added a pedestrian connection between Repurposed A417: The Air Balloon Way Cowley Lane (the resting area will remain) Cowley Wood Lane and the proposed Air overbridge 3. Added new areas of native, Balloon Way Birdlip species-rich grassland and trees to 7. Relocated and refined two proposed car improve ecological connections between parking areas near Birdlip Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake Site of 8. Removed a previously proposed public Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) via the right of way connection between the Air

proposed Gloucestershire Way crossing Balloon Way and Barrow Wake car park 3 4. Extended the public right of way on the 9. Altered a proposed public footpath Stockwell Farm proposed Air Balloon Way (part of the connecting local routes to Shab Hill so it’s 7 overbridge repurposed A417), all the way up to the open to all traffic proposed Cotswold Way crossing 10. Refined accesses to local properties and businesses 7 6

We’ve put together an Environmental Statement, which summarises the results of our surveys and our plans for minimising the impact of the scheme. You can view it on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. A full description of the scheme is provided in Chapter 2, Cowley junction while design changes are set out in Chapter 3.

4 © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS 100030649 5 Responding to feedback Recognising that the pub was named after one of the first British balloon flights and to retain The Jenner story Design changes proposed Principle and value of the history of the area we’re proposing to call Edward Jenner, also known as The Father the repurposed A417 the Balloon War, subject of Immunology, was born in Berkeley in in autumn 2020 the development to approval by the local authority. We’ll also Gloucestershire, and is famous for developing the first smallpox vaccine in 1796. What you told us What you told us continue to work with our stakeholders and look for more opportunities to celebrate the heritage We consulted on our updated proposals, including This consultation highlighted again the strong of the area. As well as immunology, Jenner had a fascination the following design changes, in autumn 2020: support we have for this scheme. There were some for hot air balloons. 2 September 1784 at 2pm, people who raised concerns about the potential 1. New crossings: Cotswold Way and he released a hot air balloon from the courtyard impact of the new road on the Cotswolds Area of Climate change Gloucestershire Way crossings of Berkeley Castle, which is thought to have Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the effect We recognise people’s concerns about travelled 24 miles in total - no mean feat given 2. The change in gradient of the A417 as it that road building has on the environment and climate change, and we’ve assessed the the infancy of this technology. climbs the escarpment near Crickley Hill climate change. There were also some objections scheme’s effects on carbon emissions and to the scheme from a few people who were upset the environment as part of our application. 3. The design of Cowley junction Jenner’s balloon is thought to have landed first about the loss of the Air Balloon pub, which will be 4. The rerouting of the B4070 to Birdlip via at Kingscote Park near Tetbury, and then again demolished if the scheme goes ahead. We’ve identified lots of ways of reducing the Barrow Wake east of Gloucester on the escarpment at Birdlip. carbon footprint of the scheme. For example, in 5. Improved access for walkers, cyclists and Our response 2020, we changed the gradient of the A417 as it horse riders, including disabled users climbs the escarpment near Crickley Hill from 10 The A417 Missing Link is a critical road percent to 8 percent rather than from 10 percent 6. The location of replacement common land enhancement scheme that will improve to 7 percent. This change lowers the carbon road safety, reduce traffic congestion and footprint of the scheme by reducing construction These changes were well received by local people, improve connectivity for road users and local traffic and the amount of soil and rock that with 70% of respondents supporting the changes communities, while unlocking economic growth needs to be dug out. It also removes the need and only around 10% stating opposition. We in Gloucestershire and beyond. It supports the for 1,200 metres of large retaining walls. received some requests for further improvements. economic growth aspirations for the area. During construction, we’ll also: Our response Impact on the Cotswolds AONB Following such positive feedback, we’ve now The Cotswolds AONB is designated for its „ set targets for carbon emissions updated our plans. There have also been some special qualities, including landscape, geology, „ explore the use of renewable energy further improvements made because of your wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage. generation and electronic equipment and feedback, which we summarise in the With this in mind, the A417 Missing Link has vehicles at construction compounds coming pages. been carefully and sympathetically designed. „ source recycled or secondary materials from Landscape has been at the heart of our design the local area decisions; we’ve designed the road to fit into the landscape rather than the other way around. You „ where possible, use lower carbon materials can read more about this in our A417 Missing More information about what we’re doing Link design summary report. during construction can be found in our Construction Traffic Management Plan The Air Balloon pub on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. The Air Balloon pub needs to be demolished On this website, you will also find our climate to make way for the new road. While it’s not assessments, which are in Chapter 14 of a listed building and we’re not required to do the Environmental Statement. so, we’re going to undertake a detailed historic building recording as part of the mitigation for the scheme.

6 7 Public rights of way Our response What you told us We’ve not added any additional crossings of of the A417 at Bentham Lane. More crossings Feedback showed support for the improvements In response to feedback we’ve: the A417 beyond those consulted upon in would cause additional and unnecessary we’ve made to public rights of way in the area. „ extended the proposed Air Balloon Way autumn 2020. This is because the new crossings impacts on the Area of Outstanding Natural These include the repurposing part of the existing all the way up to the proposed Cotswold we’re already proposing, such as the Cotswold Beauty and local ecology, pose engineering A417, which will become a five metre wide route Way crossing Way crossing, Gloucestershire Way crossing, risks, and offer poor value for money. for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, including „ added a footpath along the road to connect and Grove Farm underpass, adequately disabled users. Cowley Wood Lane to the proposed Air reconnect the Cotswold Way National Trail For more detailed information about the

Balloon Way and the Gloucestershire Way, and provide safe improvements we’re making to local public There was also wide support for the addition of the connections to existing and proposed routes. rights of way and how we’ll manage them during Cotswold Way crossing and the Gloucestershire We’ve also: To add to this, there is also an existing crossing construction, read our public rights of way Way crossing and the other improved connections „ added equestrian holding areas to enable the management plan. for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, including safe crossing of the proposed B4070 link road disabled users. A new pedestrian connection will be added to connect Cowley Wood Lane and the proposed „ converted the proposed footpath east of Shab Air Balloon Way There were requests to do the following: Hill to a byway open to all traffic and users „ widen the Cotswold Way crossing „ removed a previously proposed public right „ add a public right of way connection near of way connection between the proposed Cowley junction Air Balloon Way and Barrow Wake car park, to reduce potential impacts on this „ improve crossing arrangements of the B4070 environmentally sensitive area. on the proposed Air Balloon Way

„ amend some public rights of way designations The Cotswold Way crossing will be five metres to allow more people to access existing and wide which is appropriate for walkers, cyclists new routes and horse riders, including disabled users, and consistent with that of the proposed Air „ add more crossings of the A417 Balloon Way.

Visualisation of the equestrian crossing on the B4070 Scheme boundary

Proposed Public Rights of Way

Existing Public Rights of Way

Proposed native woodland

Proposed native scrub

Proposed tree avenue

Proposed hedgerow

Proposed limestone grassland

Attenuation basin for water drainage

Drainage ditch

Contours

Proposed embankment

Proposed cutting

Wooden post and rail fence

Wooden post and rail fence (badger proof)

Proposed dry stone wall

Proposed footpath

© Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS 100030649 8 9 Impact on property, land their concerns about noise during construction, Local journeys Less traffic will mean that local journeys should alongside other impacts. Following feedback be quicker and easier. and business from residents of Birdlip, we’ve amended the What you told us car parking provision for users of the proposed During consultation, lots of people wanted to At Leckhampton Hill there will be a slight What you told us Air Balloon Way to address concerns about know how the new A417 would affect traffic on increase in traffic because there will be a Throughout the development of this scheme, we’ve antisocial behaviour. General car parking and local roads. There were questions about the redistribution of traffic travelling from south continued our discussions with owners of property, horse box parking will now be located near design and ability of the proposed roundabouts to Cheltenham to and on towards land and business. In particular, we received the Golden Heart Inn, and a smaller disabled accommodate projected traffic flows. Concerns the M4. Currently, vehicles travel on the A435 requests from landowners to change some access parking area will be provided off the Stockwell were also raised about the safety of Shab Hill through Seven Springs and then south on the arrangements, and there were concerns raised by Farm junction, further away from the village. junction, in particular traffic merging onto the A417. A435. Traffic either stays on the A435 or joins residents of Birdlip about the impact of new parking We’ve also clarified with Cowley and Birdlip the A417 via the Highwayman Inn junction areas proposed nearby. In addition, we were asked Parish Council that the Old Cirencester Road In addition, we had a lot of feedback about the before travelling south. by environmental consultees to reduce, move, or (also known as Ermin Way) will not be opened changes to Cowley junction. While many residents remove the car park at Barrow Wake as it’s very up to traffic and therefore not used as a welcomed the fact that we would prevent road With the new road built, our modelling shows close to the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake Site through route. users (except immediate residents) accessing that a proportion of this traffic would redistribute of Special Scientific Interest. Cowley via Cowley junction, some asked if there onto Leckhampton Hill and then the A436 to Some environmental stakeholders asked us would be rat running elsewhere, and also wanted join the A417 at Shab Hill as this will be the Our response to reduce, remove or relocate Barrow Wake clarification about how they would access the A417 quickest and easiest route. We will work with Following feedback from landowners, we’ve car park. This change would not form part of or their properties following the changes. local stakeholders to ensure this road remains made several amendments to the scheme. the project, but we’ve offered to help inform or safe for all users. For example, we’ve changed the access to the facilitate any discussions there might be about Following safety concerns about turning school Ullenwood Bharat Cricket Club and widened the proposed changes to this car cark. We’ll ensure buses, Cowley and Birdlip Parish Council also access to Birdlip Radio Station. the A417 scheme is able to accommodate the asked if we would be able to relocate the Birdlip existing car park, or a future scenario where the school bus stop. Potential rerouting of traffic from In addition, we’ve looked at the amount of car park might be reduced or removed. south Cheltenham land required temporarily for construction, and Leckhampton Our response Ba ord permanently for access and maintenance, and We’re committed to continued engagement Pilley Traffic amended our plans to reduce the impact with stakeholders, including landowners, With the exception of Leckhampton Hill, there on the land. throughout the examination, detailed design will be less traffic on local roads after the A417 and construction stages of the scheme to help Missing Link is built. This is because the A417 A436 We’re also working closely with local people and address any concerns or queries. will no longer pass through Cowley or Ullenwood Leckhampton Hill businesses to carefully consider and address junctions and less congestion and delays and Severn Springs Bentham Crickley Hill Ullenwood A435 a more free-flowing road will mean users of the Country Park A436 Amended car parking provision for users of the proposed Air Balloon Way Coberley A417 will no longer seek alternative local routes. New road Now A. Proposed disabled parking at Stockwell junction We’ve undertaken extensive traffic modelling that A417 utilises the latest traffic growth data currently Shab Hill junction Birdlip Hill A Cowley available from the Department for Transport. A435 Stockwell The traffic modelling shows that there will be Birdlip a reduction of traffic in both directions at the B Lower A417 Cockleford following locations: Cowley junction B. Proposed general and horsebox parking at the Golden Heart Inn „ through Birdlip Elkstone „ through Elkstone Key A417 Proposed new road scheme

„ on the A436 between Ullenwood junction Route typically taken now A435 and the A40 Route likely taken once new road is built Shepherds Grove „ on the A435 between Cheltenham Diagrammatic map not to scale © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS 100030649 © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS 100030649 and Cirencester A435 A417 10 11 Cowley junction Shab Hill junction Cultural heritage During our surveys, we found a number of Access to Cowley from Cowley junction will Concerns about traffic merging from Shab interesting artefacts, which are being analysed. be ‘stopped up’, meaning that there will be a Hill junction onto the A417 have been raised in What you told us We’ve compiled a detailed mitigation plan for the restriction to general traffic. Signage and other the past. We’ve designed all new junctions to During consultation, there were concerns about the future stages of the project in collaboration with measures will make it clear that access is for modern safety standards and to accommodate impact of the scheme on the historic environment Historic England and the County Archaeologist immediate residents only. Access to Cowley future projected traffic flows. Using the latest and archaeology in the area. There were also at Gloucestershire County Council. Wood Lane will be retained for walkers, cyclists forecast data, we’ve made slight changes to questions about the limited survey data available and horse riders, including disabled users. We’ll Shab Hill and Ullenwood junctions to ensure this at the time of consultation. Ahead of construction, our team of finalise this arrangement, including any signage, is the case. archaeologists, under the watchful eye of surfacing and enclosures such as fencing, Our response Historic England and the County Archaeologist, gates and bollards, at the detailed design stage. will monitor digs before work will be allowed to Our archaeological surveys were ongoing at Residents from Cowley will be able to access continue. Any interesting archaeological finds will the time of consultation due to delays in gaining the A417 via two routes: one connecting into be excavated, analysed and preserved for future access to the land. We’ve now completed Cowley junction and one connecting to Shab generations to enjoy. extensive archaeological surveys of the area. Hill junction.

Via Cowley junction: vehicles can travel along the existing road from Cowley village (that passes Stockwell Farm) via the new Cowley Lane overbridge, which will connect into a section of the existing A417 that will be retained. From there, vehicles will travel past the Golden Heart Inn public house to the new Cowley junction to access the new A417.

Via Shab Hill junction: vehicles can travel on the A435 and A436 to join the A417 at the new Shab Hill junction.

Proposed route from Cowley to the A417 once the new road is built

Birdlip school bus stop We’ve carefully considered the relocation of Severn Springs Bentham Birdlip school bus stop within the land available Crickley Hill Ullenwood Country Park A436 A435 as part of the scheme and we’ve discussed Coberley opportunities with Cowley and Birdlip Parish Council and Gloucestershire County A417 Shab Hill junction Council officers. Birdlip Hill Cowley A417 A435 Stockwell We’ve offered to inform or facilitate any future Birdlip discussions about the bus stop and access arrangements. We want to reassure people Key Cowley junction that we’ll not adversely impact the existing bus Proposed new road scheme

Via Cowley junction stop arrangement, and if required, we’ll be able Via Shab Hill junction A417 to accommodate a relocated bus stop if it falls Diagrammatic map not to scale © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS 100030649 within our scheme boundary.

12 13 Landscape We’ve added a landscape bund at Crickley Hill What are they? What you told us between Fly up 417 bike park and Grove Farm False cutting = man-made embankments on either side of the new road to help reduce noise While we’ve gone to great lengths to help ensure to help screen the views of the road, particularly and help hide the road. the road is integrated into the special landscape of from Barrow Wake and the Cotswold Way the Cotswold AONB, there were requests for more National Trail between The Peak and Barrow Landscape bund = earth bank with plants and trees to help hide the road.ign stages screening and planting to help hide the road and Wake. It will ensure minimal impact on views as protect the area’s unique views. shown in the 15-year visualisation on page 15. Cross section showing landscape bunds used to screen views of the road

We also received comments about the proposed We’ve also redesigned landscape bunds south Cotswold Way crossing, in particular the materials of Shab Hill, extended the false cutting on the it will be built from and its impact on the landscape. north-west bound side of the road all the way Plants and trees to help hide the road People also wanted to know what surfaces we will to Shab Hill and added a false cutting to the use on the other proposed crossings and the Air north-east side of Shab Hill at Coldwell Bottom. Balloon Way. All of these changes will better integrate the road into the landscape and further reduce noise and screen the views of the road. Earth bank Our response As mentioned earlier in this booklet, we’ve In addition, we’ll remove planting on the south designed the road to fit in with this unique side of Barrow Wake car park to reduce the landscape. At every stage, design decisions impact on the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake have been made with this special landscape Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We’ll in mind. also add planting around new drainage basins to integrate them into the landscape and add View from Barrow Wake showing the benefit of planting and screening of the road Following consultation in autumn 2020 we’ve hedgerow and avenue trees on Cowley Lane Baseline made some improvements to the scheme. to improve landscape connectivity.

Map showing locations of landscape bunds which will help screen the views of the road

1 year

15 years

To view larger versions of these and other visualisations see Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement. 14 15 To minimise the impact on the landscape, we’ve When it comes to materials and surfacing, we will altered the design of the Cotswold Way crossing, finalise this at the detailed design stage following making it more slender, and removed the viewing approval of the scheme. See the A417 Missing Link area. The resting area will, however, remain. design summary report for more details.

The Cotswold Way crossing

The Cotswold Way crossing from Cold Lane

Preliminary design Detailed design High level plans are developed in consultation Detailed plans are developed ahead of construction. with local people and key stakeholders. These For example, details of surfacing, signage and plans enable us to carry out assessments and materials will be refined in consultation with the apply for Development Consent. appointed contractor and Gloucestershire County Council as the highways authority.

At this stage, there will be further opportunities for our stakeholders and local interest groups to be involved.

16 17 Habitat and ecology Our response Biodiversity net gain Department for Environment and Rural Affairs and Natural England are currently developing Extra planting helps wildlife move around more easily Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves biodiversity in a better a BNG calculator that uses set criteria to score state than it was before. habitats before and after construction to check if there is a loss or gain in biodiversity. This is While it is not a legal requirement for nationally a slightly different way of looking at BNG and significant infrastructure projects such as this even though it’s still in development and not a to achieve BNG, we’re a responsible developer requirement, we’ve applied this calculation to and through the design process have sought to the project. maximise biodiversity improvements wherever we can. Despite gains in habitat and biodiversity across the project, the current calculator shows As part of this scheme, we’re planting lots a negative score, as the habitats we’re creating of new, native and high-quality woodland, such as limestone grassland, while appropriate grassland, trees and hedgerows to help to the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural preserve and create additional habitats for local Beauty do not score very highly in the calculator. wildlife in the area. If we were to plant higher scoring plants in the We’ve worked collaboratively with environmental AONB, for example brambles, the calculator stakeholders, including Natural England, and will would show a gain, but this approach would not create more important habitats than we’re taking be appropriate. What you told us Landscape integration and habitat creation away. They’ve agreed that the habitats we create During consultation in autumn 2020, environmental Here are some of the positive things we are doing should be right for the local area, in keeping with We’re continuing to work with local landowners stakeholders scrutinised our plans and asked us to to benefit the area: the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to explore further opportunities for creating more continue looking at ways to maximise biodiversity. and help improve connections between existing of the right habitats and improving biodiversity in local habitats. the local area. Environmental stakeholders welcomed the addition of the Gloucestershire Way crossing but requested that it be wider and that we add areas of limestone, species-rich grassland and trees between the crossing and the Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake 75.41 5.61 4.34 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) so that wildlife can move more easily over the crossing and hectares of miles of hectares of new to the SSSI. Some people also requested that we new limestone new hedgerows* scrub,such as small bushes and trees* add planting to the Cotswold Way crossing to help grassland* wildlife cross the road.

In addition, they raised concerns about the impact of the new B4070, Barrow Wake roundabout and the proposed public right of way on the SSSI. 6.8 25.57

miles of new hectares of new Cotswold native woodland* drystone walls*

*these numbers are taken from the Environmental Statement.

18 19 In addition, we’re making several changes to shape to allow us to extend the proposed Air The Gloucestershire Way crossing reduce the impact of Barrow Wake roundabout Balloon Way all the way up to the Cotswold Way and the B4070 on the SSSI. The footprint of crossing. It will be planted to help connect it with the Barrow Wake roundabout has been made other nearby habitats such as the SSSI. smaller and we’re also making the earthworks on the western side of the B4070 steeper to This means we can now remove the public right minimise land take. of way adjacent to the SSSI, and route walkers, cyclists and horse riders along the proposed We’ve also altered the boundary of the Air Balloon Way instead of through the Barrow replacement common land. It remains in the Wake car park. same location but is now a slightly different Public right of way Map showing replacement common land and proposed Air Balloon Way arrangements

Wildlife corridor planted with native grassland

The Gloucestershire Way crossing Ecological surveys have informed the design In response to feedback from environmental of all the crossings on the scheme and where stakeholders, we’ve widened the Gloucestershire needed, we’ve provided crossings for wildlife. Way crossing from 25 metres to 37 metres. For example, we’ve added lots of planting to By doing this, we’ve increased an area of native the Gloucestershire Way crossing, Cowley grassland planting, which will make it easier for overbridge and Stockwell Farm overbridge. wildlife to use the crossing. We’ve also added We’re also proposing a bat underpass near new areas of native, species-rich grassland and Dog Lane. trees to help wildlife move between the crossing and the SSSI. Further planting on the Cotswold Way Crossing would not serve an effective ecological purpose The Cotswold Way crossing and would require a larger structure within the We’ve not added planting to this crossing landscape, resulting in unnecessary adverse What is common land because its primary purpose is to provide a safe impacts on the Cotswold Area of Outstanding It is land where people, other than the landowner, may have certain traditional rights, for example to crossing of the A417 for users of the Cotswold Natural Beauty, additional land take graze their livestock or to collect wood. The public also usually have the right to roam over common Way National Trail. and cost. land on foot. This means you can use it for activities such as walking and running. You cannot use the land for horse riding, cycling or access it in a vehicle.

20 21 Water and drainage Next steps What you told us Our response We’ve now submitted our Development Consent The examination and decision making process will Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate. take around a year and further information about There were concerns raised around impact of the In response to feedback, we’ve moved some of this process and how you can get involved can scheme on natural ground and surface water levels. the drainage basins and amended our drainage The Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. Specifically, we were asked to move some of the strategy to ensure that natural ground water and Secretary of State) will now examine the application Alternatively, you can watch the following video: proposed water drainage basins to better, more surface water levels are adequately managed through written representation and public hearings, How to have your say on Nationally Significant effective locations. once the new road is built. This has been done and then make a recommendation to the Secretary Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). in discussion with the Environment Agency. of State for Transport, who will decide on whether We’ll have to remove a bat roost to make way for or not the scheme should go ahead. Subject to approval, we expect to start work in a new drainage basin but to compensate, we’re 2023, and the road to open for traffic in 2026. building a new bat barn.

Timeline

Options Development Construction

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Statutory Construction Option Option Preliminary Construction procedures commissioning Close out identi cation selection design and powers preparation and handover A place to visit and enjoy

We want to leave a positive legacy for local Statutory public Decision by consultation Secretary communities and visitors to the area. We’re autumn 2019 of State - Options for Supplementary autumn 2022 Road open for proposing a scheme with long-lasting benefits. public consultation statutory public traffic summer 2026 consultation It will not only improve the long-term safety and autumn 2020 reliability of the A417, but it will also boost the local Project Preferred route Submission Start of construction Close out initiated announcement of DCO winter 2022/2023 economy by making it a more attractive area to live, March 2019 application - May 2021 work, explore and visit.

We’ll make local journeys and reduce rat running through local villages. We’ll also create You can keep up to date with updates about scheme progress and consultation new open spaces and enhance the footpath, by visiting our website, emailing us or following us on Twitter or Facebook: cycling and bridleway network, providing safe, fully accessible routes from the Brockworth bypass to Stockwell, Cowley and beyond. This will help www.highwaysengland.co.uk/a417-missing-link improve local people’s quality of life. [email protected] @HighwaysSWEST Facebook@HighwaysSWEST

22 23 Notes

24 If you need help accessing this or any other Highways England information, please call 0300 123 5000 and we will help you.

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