£42m relief road for towns moves a step closer (From Gazette & Herald)

£42m relief road for Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar moves a step closer

8:33am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News

A £42 MILLION bypass which will take traffic away from a North Yorkshire market town has moved a step closer.

North Yorkshire County Council has granted planning permission for the scheme, which will skirt Bedale, as well as Aiskew and Leeming Bar.

But councillors have eased fears that archaeology dating back to Roman times will be put at risk by the work.

The bypass is seen as a vital to dealing with traffic congestion in the area, but it will run close to up to 120 historic buildings and cross the Dere Street Roman road.

A study has found up to 15 archaeological sites may be affected by the development.

Coun Gareth Dadd, the county council’s executive member for highways, said: “We are aware there are sensitive sites in the locality, but everything will be done to protect the archaeology and there is clear evidence the economic benefits of the bypass will outweigh the impact on the environment.”

A financial review will now be drawn up before a tendering process to find a contactor for the scheme begins. The council’s executive will decide next year whether to definitely go ahead with the scheme.

Coun Dadd said: “Any unexpected costs would have to be considered before we can say for certain whether the bypass will be built.”