Latest news with #StopTheA38Expansion
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Derby leader calls A38 decision 'divisive' but vows to minimise disruption
The leader of Derby City Council says the decision to construct major A38 upgrades is 'divisive' but will do everything she can to minimise disruption. Labour councillor Nadine Peatfield said the local authority had 'no influence' on the Government's decision to transform one of Derby's busiest roads but has always wanted the best outcome for the city. She added that the decision will support the delivery of thousands of new homes. The huge project is set to see significant changes to three key islands on the major route at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton. The plan is to expand the road with more lanes and create flyovers and underpasses with the aim of easing congestion and quickening journey times. READ MORE: I went to one of 30 schools providing free breakfasts and it was a huge hit READ MORE: Authority considers banning barbecues and open fires in Peak District spots Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone But it is currently unclear how much the scheme will cost in total with an initial estimate of £250 million likely to have escalated. It is also unclear when work will start and how long construction will take. Meanwhile, there remains serious concern regarding the negative environmental impacts of the project. The Stop The A38 expansion group said in their latest statement that their campaigning has not yet reached the end of the road. Serious concerns include the loss of thousands of trees at Markeaton Park and increased carbon emissions and air pollution. Campaigners described the scheme as a 'polluting, destructive and pointless road scheme to line the pockets of the private developers'. Read more - New mural honouring ex-Rams manager coming to Derby The city council was asked for its stance on the go-ahead and whether or not Derby's road network will cope when construction work starts. Councillor Peatfield said the council will be 'doing everything we can to minimise disruption and impact '. She said: 'We recognise that the Government's decision to progress this project is a divisive one here in Derby. Whilst we have had no influence on the decision itself, throughout we've consistently aimed for the best outcome for Derby and will continue to do so. 'It's important to recognise, however, that this initiative will help deliver around 15,000 much-needed homes for our region. 'Moving forward, we understand both sides of this challenge and are committed to doing everything we can to minimise disruption and impact. We will work closely with the East Midlands Mayor to advocate for active travel infrastructure to be included, supporting walking and cycling, so that this scheme benefits all forms of transport. Additionally, we'll keep striving for measures that enhance both the environment and biodiversity." We send out the biggest stories in an email every day. Sign up for the main Derbyshire Live newsletter here.
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Work to improve A38 in Derbyshire approved by government
A multi-million pound scheme to increase the capacity of the A38 in Derbyshire has been approved by the project will create flyovers and underpasses for Derby's current Little Eaton, Markeaton and Kingsway consultation on how to improve the road started in 2001, but was repeatedly paused, leading to the plans being redesigned and then challenged in court by Department for Transport said the work will serve 15,400 homes and 658,300 sq m of business land by 2031, "drive economic growth and make working people better off". 'Easier journeys' The government also announced other local road schemes across the East Midlands have also been supported, including the A46 Newark Bypass, the A511 Growth Corridor and North Hykeham Relief Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer's money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier." Plans for flyovers on the A38 have proved divisive since the original idea was rejected in 1970 due to the potential visual impact on nearby park land.A public consultation in 2003 backed revised plans but funding was not scale improvements were then carried out in 2014, but faced criticism and one suggested scheme was rejected by the High Court in 2023, campaign group Stop the A38 Expansion argued plans put forward in 2020 had been approved without an up-to-date economic assessment, but a High Court judge rejected the group's arguments in a decision published in August recently in October 2025, there were fears the promised work could have been "axed entirely" after 1,100 homes were approved to be built in were also raised about existing traffic and overcrowding issues on the A38, due to recent housing developments in South National Highways reviewed its position and said it was satisfied the proposals would not place a strain on its network or "pose a threat to safety".The Department for Transport has not yet announced when the work could start.
