'Grave concerns' over impact of new road on rare bat species in Norfolk
A rare bat species could be endangered by plans for a new road in Norwich, wildlife experts have claimed.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust and a bat expert say they have "grave concern" over the revised route of the Norwich Western Link road.
They said the development - which is intended to avoid roosts - will still be "catastrophic" for the rare barbastelle bat.
Norfolk County Council has agreed to continue pursuing the 3.9mile road which will stretch from the A1067 Fakenham Road to the A47 at Honingham, including a viaduct over the River Wensum.
Dr Charlotte Packman, an independent expert, has been carrying out research into the presence of barbastelle bats on the proposed route.
Dr Packman described County Hall's own bat surveys as "limited" with "colony counts, home ranges, foraging areas and roosts substantially underrepresented".
She said: "At one colony the peak count recorded by the council's surveys is reported as 16 barbastelles, where we have recorded 105.
"Our data has been verified by UEA, making this currently the largest known barbastelle roost in the country.
"We have an important obligation to ensure that it is properly protected before it is too late."
Mike Jones, Norfolk Wildlife Trust's conservation officer said the revised plans avoid ancient trees but do not address other concerns.
"Barbastelle bats are in serious decline globally and here in Norfolk, we are the guardians of one of Europe's most significant maternity colonies.
"The survival of these bats relies on us considering the long-term impacts to the species on a landscape scale."
In particular, Mr Jones said the road would run through the heart of the bat's foraging grounds, which will lead to deaths and risk the extinction of a globally threatened and legally protected species.
Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at Norfolk County Council said the authority's bat surveys have been extensive and have been used to inform the design of the road and mitigation measures.
He said: "We still have work to do and further information on how we will reduce and mitigate environmental impacts will be available in our upcoming consultation and in our planning application."
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