Construction of a new bypass designed to reduce congestion in the city of Ely is due to begin later this year.
The Ely southern bypass comprises a 1.2 mile single carriageway route around the south of the city, connecting Angel Drove to the west with Stuntney Causeway to the south east.
The scheme will reduce congestion in the Ely Station area, where a very low bridge currently limits traffic movements as larger vehicles have to use a level crossing which is regularly closed to highway traffic.
Bruton Knowles are appointed to provide compensation advice to the highway authority, Cambridgeshire County Council, and to liaise with claimants and their agents in advance of the scheme, in order to minimise objections to the planning and compulsory purchase processes, and to mitigate their claims and the effects on their businesses.
The work includes the preparation of compensation estimates and advising on risks and accommodation works, planning research and discussions with the local planning authority in respect of a development area, and a replacement farm building.
The scheme received planning permission in 2014 and includes a 500m viaduct over the Great Ouse and the railway line, as well as improvements to the cycle and footway network. It will take around 20ha of agricultural land and part of a site allocated to commercial development.
Further areas of land will be used on a temporary basis during the construction period. Although compensation terms are expected to be agreed in accordance with the compensation code, the County Council has obtained a Compulsory Purchase Order in order to protect the programme.
Around 15 landowners and occupiers are affected. Bruton Knowles have been working with them and their agents in advance of the works, with the aim of minimising the effects on their businesses.
The work includes liaising with the planning authority regarding a new farm building to replace the only structure being lost to the scheme, alterations to field accesses and land drains, and advance vegetation removal to avoid the bird nesting season.
Pre-scheme condition surveys will be undertaken of all nearby buildings to monitor any possible movement during construction, as it is believed there is a risk that the fen peat soil may transmit vibrations to what may be inadequate foundations.
Construction is due to begin in summer 2016 with completion expected around the end of 2017.