Mersey Gateway inquiry matters are revealed to board

Mar 19 2009 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

MATTERS to be considered at a public inquiry into the proposed Mersey Gateway scheme are to be spelled out in detail at a meeting today.

The Mersey Gateway executive board will hear that the Government inspector will look into five main applications made by the council – a bridge ‘order’ under the Transport and Works Act, planning permission, road charging, side roads order and compulsory purchase orders.

The May 19 inquiry will consider a range of matters including the structure’s impact on water flow and sediment in the Mersey Estuary, and on flood risk, air and water contamination, and wildlife.

The inspector will decide whether the project is justified and ask why alternative schemes have been rejected.

Its effect on traffic, and impact on businesses, utility companies and residents will also come under the spotlight.

It will also look at whether the council is likely to secure permission from the Crown Estate and Duchy of Lancaster to acquire land on the Mersey’s banks needed for the bridge’s construction.