The Mottram Moor Link Road and A57 Link Road Project has been given the go ahead, with construction to begin soon.
In order to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion between Sheffield and Manchester, National Highways announced their plans to connect the M67 at Mottram in Longdendale to the M1, north of Sheffield. The A57 Link Roads project forms part of this plan and will include the creation of two new link roads:
– Mottram Moor Link Road: a new dual carriageway from the M67 junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor
– A57 Link Road: a new single carriageway link from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge
As the scheme is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, to build it, National Highways have applied for a ‘Development Consent Order (DCO)’. In November 2022 the DCO was accepted by the Secretary of State. Works on the project were however put on hold when a legal challenge was made against the Secretary of State’s decision. The legal challenge was in relation to the cumulative carbon assessments and the assessment of alternatives and impact on the green belt. In April 2024 it was confirmed that the legal challenge was closed and that the scheme can now progress as planned. Highways England are currently in the process of finalising their construction programme and will be providing further updates with an expected start date imminently.
Due to the scale of the project, construction of the road will require the compulsory acquisition of land from many different owners.
We have recently acted on behalf of a landowner directly affected by the scheme. Highways England sought to acquire 3.2 acres of our clients 6.9 acre landholding. The land to be acquired comprised pasture land. Our clients claim consisted of the following items:
– Market Value of the acquired land.
– Basic Loss Payment (7.5% of the Market Value)
– Injurious Affection of the retained land. The retained land included a farmhouse. The direct impact of the proposed scheme on the Market Value of the farmhouse was assessed (for example increased noise pollution). The discrepancy in Market Value was included within our client’s claim.
– Disturbance, including professional fees incurred by our client.
We entered into negotiations with Highways England on behalf of our client and successfully reached an agreement on all the above items. The disposal of the land to Highways England has now completed.
If you are think you might be affected and would like some more information regarding the above scheme, please get in touch with our CPO Team either by email (clairematthews@roger-hannah.co.uk) or by telephone on 0161 830 7473 and 07395604177.