Expressway: No Public Input

In March we reported serious concerns over the lack of any meaningful public consultation over possible routes for the proposed Oxford to Cambridge Expressway — see here.

On behalf of the Haddenham Village Society, Chairman Sir Roderick Floud wrote to various senior political figures to object to this lack of input from those most likely to be affected by such a major road development, and the substantial housing and commercial property expansion that it will facilitate.

Sir Roderick has now received, via John Bercow, a letter from The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling.

Reply from Chris Grayling

"I note Professor Floud's comments about the consultation process for the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway. However, I would like to reassure him that Highways England is working very closely with stakeholders, including Buckinghamshire County Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council, and their views are being fully taken into account in the corridor selection process. Highways England will also be undertaking a public consultation on routes within the selected corridor, and this will provide him, and others, with an opportunity to comment."

Comment by John Bercow

In forwarding this letter, John Bercow writes:

"I accept that the Secretary of State's response is not the one that you were hoping for but, having made multiple representations to him on this matter on behalf of a number of constituents and interest group, the position that greater consultation will take place once corridor selection has been made is immovable."

Sir Roderick Floud concludes:

"It is therefore clear that the government is entirely unwilling to listen to public comments about the choice of corridor for the road.

This is utterly shocking, but it is clear that our MP has been active on our behalf without result and I cannot see what else we can do.

We shall, unfortunately, have to wait until the choice is announced, probably in July, and, if the news is bad for Haddenham, react as strongly as possible at that stage."