Pre-action protocol letter sent over plans for cycleway through nature reserve

The local authority approved plans to construct the new thoroughfare, which includes accompanying street lights, in May this year.

Part of the scheme runs through the Havannah Nature Reserve, which sits on the northern edge of the city.

However, local residents who oppose the plans argue the decision will harm wildlife.

Campaign group Save Newcastle Wildlife issued a pre-action protocol letter in June, arguing that the council failed to consider alternative routes for the path in relation to loss of trees or landscape features, contrary to a policy set out in the council's local plan.

It also advanced grounds that contend the decision failed to give adequate reasons for not considering alternative routes, as required by another council policy, and that it failed to comply with reg.9(3) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

The group is being represented by the Environmental Law Foundation.

A council spokesperson confirmed the local authority had received a pre-action letter from the Environmental Law Foundation, which is representing the residents' group.

The council added that it has "prepared a response to this letter which was issued last week".

Adam Carey