South Tyneside

High Court, Government and Council fail South Tyneside environment

Environmental campaign group South Tyneside Friends of the Earth has commended local group member Bryan Atkinson in his fight against the second Tyne road tunnel at the High Court. Despite the disappointing decision of the court to allow the project to go ahead, South Tyneside FOE will continue to campaign for a reduction carbon dioxide emissions and the introduction of sustainability as the base to build good modern planning guidelines.

Spokesperson Brian Paget said:

"Bryan has fought long and hard against the second road tunnel because he believes that development should be grounded in sustainability to ensure that future generations can enjoy the quality of life that we take for granted. Building more roads won't do that.

"In terms of climate change, the second tunnel is a damning indictment for the Government and all of the local councils involved. Traffic levels are rising and carbon dioxide emissions have increased since Labour came to power. That rise will continue if road projects like the tunnel go ahead.

"Despite being a borough with low car ownership, South Tyneside Council chose to champion this costly project instead of a common sense public transport solution. This shows old fashioned thinking in transport and planning.

"The Council is now trying to push through the building of an industrial estate on the Fellgate greenbelt. This is another project based on an outdated model which favours myopic financial speculation over development which respects environmental limits. It's about time South Tyneside Council joined the 21st Century and started to think, and plan, in terms of sustainability."

Notes

1. South Tyneside FOE online: http://www.stfoe.org.uk/
2. The Big Ask: http://www.thebigask.com
3. South Tyneside LDF Core Strategy consultation responses are due by Friday 12th May: http://www.southtyneside.info/environment/planning/strategic/ldf/coreStrategy.asp
This includes policy "ST1 - Spatial Strategy for South Tyneside" which proposes the deletion of the Fellgate greenbelt.
4. The Draft Judgment (pdf)

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