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News

Public Inquiry Gets Underway

The campaign to get Poole its long awaited second harbour crossing is taking a big step forward when the Public Inquiry opens on September 27th.

The Inquiry, chaired by Planning Inspector Christopher Tipping MA (Cantab), will be held in the Civic Centre and is expected to last up to four weeks. The Borough of Poole will present the town’s case for the Twin Sails Bridge and approach roads. The Inquiry will also hear evidence from objectors and supporters of the Council’s Transport and Works Act Order application.

The Council was formally notified by the Department for Transport in February that a Public Inquiry would be needed before the Secretary of State for Transport can decide whether approval to build the bridge will be granted. Since then the Council has been working closely with objectors to try and address their concerns prior to the Inquiry starting and a number of issues have been resolved.

Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy, Borough of Poole, said: “The Inquiry certainly represents the biggest challenge so far in this process but we have never been closer to achieving the dream of a second bridge for Poole and with it the regeneration aspirations for the town. The Public Inquiry was always expected in the process and the Council has been working extremely hard to satisfy any concerns raised.  We are confident that the town’s case for the Twin Sails Bridge is strong and that all concerns raised regarding safety and the operation of a two lifting bridge system can be met.”

The Inspector will hear evidence over four days each week starting with the Council’s key witnesses followed by the objectors and supporters who have elected to speak.  Once all the evidence has been heard, the Inspector will take up to three months to submit his final report to the Department for Transport for their consideration. The Council is hoping for a decision by Summer 2006 but it could take longer.

Policy Director Bernie Topham, Borough of Poole, said: “We don’t know for certain when the Secretary of State will come back with his decision but in the meantime there is still much work to be done by the regeneration team. This includes finalising the funding package, securing land agreements for the site where the Twin Sails Bridge will be located and beginning the process for procuring the bridge.”

She added: “We are confident that we have prepared the Council’s case well for the Inquiry and are pleased that we have had this opportunity to answer concerns that have been raised about the scheme in this way. We have had a huge amount of support from the public who are looking forward to seeing a second harbour crossing become a reality.”

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633295