A5-M1 Link Road (DNB)The Highways Agency has published these two route options for consultation:

Manouchehr Nahvi

The Two Bypass OptionsSouthern Route:Safeguarded Route in South Beds Local PlanNorthern Route:An alignment further north designed to create more potential for development

Development issuesThe GVA Grimley study commissioned by the HA to assist evaluation of the effect of potential development of the Bypass proposal, considered 3 development options for 2 different bypass alignments

The Three development OptionsDevelopment south of the Southern RouteDevelopment both sides of the Southern RouteDevelopment south of the Northern Route

The GVA Grimley Study estimated the following scale of housing that might be accommodated: Development both sides of the Southern RouteUp to 17000 unitsDevelopment south of the Northern RouteUp to 16000 unitsDevelopment south of the Southern Route Up to 11000 units

The SBDC perspective:Key IssuesThe primary purpose of the route should be strategic, and with the aim of maximising traffic relief for DunstableNeed to ensure that the Bypass design can fully accommodate both strategic A5/M1 traffic and:connections to the proposed Luton Bypass and the A505;access to proposed new development area a new link road to connect to the central Dunstable and Houghton Regis employment area;The Northern Route could provide more flexibility in respect of the above pointsSBDC to continue In principle support for the scheme

Environmental implicationsBoth bypass routes are predicted to:reduce HGV traffic through Dunstableslightly reduce traffic congestion in central Dunstablehelp improve air quality in the urban areaHowever, they also have:some adverse ecological and landscape impactpotentially significant archaeological impactsignificant impact on the rights of way network

Land useLand take is similar for both options, with nearly 40% associated with the proposed junction with the M1 .Both routes require the same number of properties to be demolished at the eastern end of the BypassThe Southern Route will have further impact, taking approximately 38% of the Rugby Football Club.

Visual and landscape impactThe most significant visual and landform effect will be from junction 11ANorthern Route will have greater landscape impact than Southern Route

Indicative Scheme ProgrammePublic ConsultationSept to Dec. 2005Preferred Route announcement Late Spring 2005Draft Order publication:2007Public Inquiry:2008Start of Works:2009Open to traffic:2010/11

ConclusionIt is recommended that the Council responds to the HA consultation in the terms listed under paragraph 2.0 of the report.