Simister Island exchange: CPRE’s view

We recently wrote to Highways England in response to its consultation on the Northern Loop & Inner Links options. Simister Island Interchange, Junction 18, M60.

We highlighted a number of issues with regard to the proposals not according with national planning policies and those emerging at the Greater Manchester level, particularly with regards to:

• Greenhouse gas emissions of the proposal are in excess of what they ought to be.  Highways England must demonstrate it has a positive role in tackling the challenges posed by the climate emergency in line with Government’s international commitments.
• The scheme does not adequately integrate with sustainable transport modes.  In the future 50% of all journeys must be by walking, cycling or public transport.  Highways England must design new road infrastructure to enable people to be able to rely upon more suitable travel choices rather than being forced to be car dependent due to lack of alternatives.
• A genuine ‘logistics based’ approach to distribution to integrate the delivery of goods to final destinations.
• Drainage issues must be resolved for flood resilience and adaptation to changes in the climate in the future.
• The character of rural areas should be enhanced to enhance visual amenity and protect rural landscapes.
• Access to the countryside should be improved.
• A higher biodiversity net gain is required.
• Green Belt purposes must be valued and protected in the future.  Urban sprawl, countryside encroachment, must be minimised, to protect our permanently open countryside.

We trust Highways England will listen and improve its proposals accordingly, to help protect the environment in the future.

Download the letter here: 2020 8 6 CPRE letter re proposals for Simister Island