wes_von_papineäu
Our Roving Correspondent
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HERTS & ESSEX OBSERVER (Hertford, UK) 12 July 07 It's us against the newts
New Stansted Airport proposals are threatening to split Burton End in two – while preserving a site of great crested newts.
The surface access proposals from consultants Faber Maunsell, which relate to plans for a second runway at the airport, include one option that would create a new road cutting a swathe through the eastern extremity of the hamlet.
The scheme would ensure the survival of the community of newts, which are a protected species under European law.
Mike Belcher, a member of the Residents of Burton End (ROBE) campaign group, said: "It seems it’s come down to newts against humans."
He added: "It is only the very far end of Burton End which would be cut off, but nevertheless there are residents up there who at best would have to cross a fast road with heavy lorry traffic in order to go anywhere and at worst they could face losing their homes altogether."
Mr Belcher said the newts were not even Burton End natives, but were moved there to protect them from previous airport developments: “The humans have been here for 400 odd years and the newts have only recently arrived.”
At a meeting of Stansted Parish Council last Wednesday, Faber Maunsell representatives explained that the scheme, to create a new link between Gaunts End and Bury Lodge Lane, had been devised in response to concerns from Natural England.
While a Natural England spokesman acknowledged the newt-related concerns, he stressed that it was Faber Maunsell who developed the proposed solution and suggested sending the consultants back to the drawing board.
Mr Belcher said ROBE had come up with a viable alternative that would ensure the survival of both the newts and Burton End - a road running from Mole Hill Green, with an underpass beneath the proposed new runway, and connecting up with Takeley at Parsonage Road.
When Mr Belcher submitted this to Faber Maunsell at the parish council meeting he was told it had been ruled out on security and cost grounds.
However, Mr Belcher said: “The cost issue is a matter for BAA not Faber Maunsell and as far as security is concerned there are similar underpasses at other international airports.”
http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk/news/observer/2007/07/12/its us against the newts.lpf
New Stansted Airport proposals are threatening to split Burton End in two – while preserving a site of great crested newts.
The surface access proposals from consultants Faber Maunsell, which relate to plans for a second runway at the airport, include one option that would create a new road cutting a swathe through the eastern extremity of the hamlet.
The scheme would ensure the survival of the community of newts, which are a protected species under European law.
Mike Belcher, a member of the Residents of Burton End (ROBE) campaign group, said: "It seems it’s come down to newts against humans."
He added: "It is only the very far end of Burton End which would be cut off, but nevertheless there are residents up there who at best would have to cross a fast road with heavy lorry traffic in order to go anywhere and at worst they could face losing their homes altogether."
Mr Belcher said the newts were not even Burton End natives, but were moved there to protect them from previous airport developments: “The humans have been here for 400 odd years and the newts have only recently arrived.”
At a meeting of Stansted Parish Council last Wednesday, Faber Maunsell representatives explained that the scheme, to create a new link between Gaunts End and Bury Lodge Lane, had been devised in response to concerns from Natural England.
While a Natural England spokesman acknowledged the newt-related concerns, he stressed that it was Faber Maunsell who developed the proposed solution and suggested sending the consultants back to the drawing board.
Mr Belcher said ROBE had come up with a viable alternative that would ensure the survival of both the newts and Burton End - a road running from Mole Hill Green, with an underpass beneath the proposed new runway, and connecting up with Takeley at Parsonage Road.
When Mr Belcher submitted this to Faber Maunsell at the parish council meeting he was told it had been ruled out on security and cost grounds.
However, Mr Belcher said: “The cost issue is a matter for BAA not Faber Maunsell and as far as security is concerned there are similar underpasses at other international airports.”
http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk/news/observer/2007/07/12/its us against the newts.lpf
