The saga of the controversial £251m Norwich Western Link has taken a fresh twist - after government advisors agreed to consider giving special protection to woodlands on the road's route.
Natural England has confirmed it will consider an application by Norfolk Wildlife Trust to designate Wensum Woodlands - in the area where Norfolk County Council wants to build the 3.9-mile road - as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
If such a designation is granted - recognising the protected barbastelle bat super colony which researchers have identified in the area around Lenwade, Weston Longville and Ringland - that could have significant repercussions.
The council had already realigned the route of the road, which would stretch from the A1067 Fakenham Road to the A47 near Honingham, to take into account the presence of the bats.
But, if woodland on the route of the road is given special designation, then it would give the area added protection.
READ MORE: Ancient trees facing chop on Western Link 'irreplaceable', say critics
That could mean another rethink over where the road goes - and add even more to the project's rising bill.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust wrote to government advisor Natural England in April last year asking for it to create a new SSSI to protect the bat colonies in the Wensum Valley.
Natural England has confirmed it is one of 22 applications for such a designation which it will now consider.
Eliot Lyne, chief executive at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: "The 'super colony' of bats along the Wensum is a wildlife wonder for Norfolk and this first step to protecting this remarkable super colony is great news.
"We wholeheartedly support the designation of a SSSI to ensure the barbastelle bats and the habitats they live in are protected.
"At a time of biodiversity crisis, we urge Natural England to proceed with the designation, which will protect not just roost trees, but the marshes, hedges, woodland and grasslands where the bats feed, breed and hibernate."
The trust, which has opposed the Norwich Western Link because of its impact on habitats, estimates there are at least 267 individual barbastelle bats in the super-colony, of which at least 89 are estimated to be adult females.
Barbastelle bats are rated as 'near threatened' in the worldwide International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, while the species is considered as 'vulnerable' in the UK.
The River Wensum, which is also on the road's route, is already designated as an SSSI and as a Special Area of Conservation.
The council has had to take that into account in its plans for the road, which include a viaduct over the river.
While designation as an SSSI does not automatically prevent construction, it gives an extra layer of protection, including the need for further assessment and more opportunities to challenge proposals.
Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: "It’s likely to take some time for Natural England to determine if this area should be designated as a SSSI.
"In terms of the Norwich Western Link, the key thing is that we’ve carried out extensive bat surveys over four years and as a result have a good understanding of the presence of this protected bat species in the area around the proposed route, and we’re taking account of this in our design and mitigation measures.
"We’ll continue to take advice from Natural England and bat specialists as we develop our proposals."
READ MORE: Norfolk council leaders defend Norwich Western Link costs
Hannah Thacker, area manager at Natural England, said: "Evidence gathering for the sites will begin from next year.
"This will involve working closely with stakeholders in the listed areas, reviewing evidence and understanding current management practices while we build an appreciation of what designation would mean and potential benefits.
"Inclusion on this list is not a commitment to designate."
The council is waiting to learn if the Department for Transport will support its business case for the road and agree to provide 85pc (£213.4m) of the cost.
The council says the road will cut traffic congestion, improve air pollution and encourage economic growth and it has been backed by Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.
But, in addition to Norfolk Wildlife Trust, it is opposed by the Rivers Trust, CPRE Norfolk and the Labour and Green groups at County Hall.
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