17 April 2003
PTA welcomes withdrawal of objections
The withdrawal of objections to the New Tyne Crossing by the Environment Agency
and the Port of Tyne Authority has been welcomed by Tyne and Wear Passenger
Transport Authority (PTA).
The withdrawals come in the final week of the Public Inquiry into the New Tyne Crossing and follow months of intense negotiations.
They bring to around 20 the number of objections withdrawn since the PTA applied last May to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to construct the tunnel under the Transport and Works Act.
Cllr Tom Hanson, deputy vice chair of the PTA, said: “We are delighted that we have been able reach agreement with key statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and the Port of Tyne Authority. They are now satisfied that their interests will be protected, particularly during the construction of the new tunnel.
“We believe these agreements strengthen the case for the New Tyne Crossing and make it more likely that the PTA will receive the go-ahead from the Deputy Prime Minister, hopefully later this year.
“These withdrawals also underline the distinction the we have made all along between objectors and opponents to the New Tyne Crossing - all opponents are objectors, but not all objectors are opponents.”
Other bodies and organisations to have withdrawn their objections include English Nature, DEFRA, Northumbrian Water Ltd, Transco, Shell, and TROOA (the Tyne Riparian Owners’ and Occupiers Association).
David Keates, Managing Director, Port of Tyne Authority said: “We are delighted to have been able to withdraw our technical objections as we are supporters of the need for the second tunnel.
“We had two quite complex issues to get straight and satisfactory legally
binding agreements have now been signed with the Passenger Transport Authority.
We couldn't stand back until these agreements were done.
“The
first concerned land issues at Howdon Yard and Quay, which we own and let
to Amec. This is the spot where the tunnel crosses on the North side and where
our tenants and their approximately 30
sub-tenants will be disturbed during construction.
“The second related to our legal obligation and right to maintain navigation on the river free of obstruction for the long term on behalf of all the river users such as the shipyards. Due to the proposal being for an immersed tube unlike the existing bored tunnel there was a need for us to compromise the maximum depth available for shipping.
“With
the agreement of the shipyards we have accepted a compromise of some 3 metres
meaning that the maximum possible depth in future will be a little over 11m
rather than 14+m at present. However the priority of the River traffic is
maintained which is consistent with the Acts of Parliament which established
our authority."
Issued on behalf of Tyne & Wear PTA and its adviser Arup by Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations. Contact Richard Simpson on 01207 272162 for more information.