A date has been set for the hearing of the challenge to the Mottram Bypass and Glossop Spur Road project.

The court hearing, made necessary by a legal challenge by CPRE campaigners, will take place on October 3 and will determine whether or not the project will go ahead.

High Peak MP Robert Largan this week welcomed the setting of the date, which now puts in place a time-line for a decision to be made. Construction was due to commence in March after the decision of the Secretary of State to approve the £200m project, but following the group launching the legal challenge, construction had to be suspended.

Studies claim that the Mottram Bypass and Glossop Spur will reduce congestion, improve air quality, and reduce journey times, says the MP.
Supporters also say the project is fundamental to the future commissioning of the second phase of the bypass around Hollingworth and Tintwistle too. Mr Largan says the project, which he fully supports, enjoys overwhelming local support.

The MP also criticised the cost of the challenge to the taxpayer. He said: “The Government approving the Mottram Bypass, following my long standing efforts, was a momentous and historic decision for the High Peak. Residents have waited over 50 years to see this happen.”

In a statement to the press the Conservative MP was also once again critical of the Glossop Labour Party, stating: “Unfortunately, Glossop Labour Party put politics before people and have done all they can to block the bypass.

“They have submitted formal objections, passed a formal motion to ‘campaign vigorously’ against it and have even tried to donate to the legal challenge to block it. They then, bizarrely, tried to say they supported it.

“Labour have been utterly dishonest and should be ashamed. We must not let them succeed. “Whilst Labour play silly political games, I’ll continue to campaign to build the bypass and secure the second phase around Hollingworth and Tintwistle too.“I am confident that this spurious legal challenge will be rejected and we can get on and build the bypass as soon as possible!”

However, his claim about the Glossop Labour Party sparked a political war of words when first voiced back in January, with High Peak Labour asserting it is fully supportive of the bypass. 

Across the border in Tameside Labour MP for Hyde, whose constituency includes Mottram, has long campaigned for the bypass. In an update on their website National Highways, which is seeking to deliver the ‘bypass’ - now officially known as the A57 Link Roads project - states: “We’re
currently going through the legal process and expect the challenge to be heard in court on October 3.

“The challenge focuses on two main areas. Firstly on the way cumulative carbon assessments were carried out, along with local plans. And secondly on how the assessment of alternatives and their impact on the green belt have been considered.

“When the challenge is heard in court, an independent judge will consider whether the grounds of the challenge have any relevance to the Secretary of State’s decision. If the judge determines the grounds are valid, they will be assessed as part of the legal proceedings. A decision will then be made in favour of the challenge or against it.

“If the outcome of the judicial review is to uphold the DCO, we’ll look to resume our construction programme planning and mobilisation of site works as soon as possible. “We remain committed to delivering this vital project and the benefits it will bring to the local community. We believe
our proposals will provide much-needed relief for drivers and businesses that use this important route every day, while delivering an economic boost to the Greater Manchester and Sheffield city regions.”