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Aberdeen bypass legal challenge refused | Aberdeen bypass legal challenge refused |
(40 minutes later) | |
Campaigners trying to prevent the construction of the Aberdeen bypass have been left "disappointed" after losing their legal challenge. | Campaigners trying to prevent the construction of the Aberdeen bypass have been left "disappointed" after losing their legal challenge. |
The 28-mile Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) was originally given the go-ahead by Scottish ministers in December 2009 after a public inquiry. | The 28-mile Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) was originally given the go-ahead by Scottish ministers in December 2009 after a public inquiry. |
William Walton, from protest group Road Sense, lodged a legal bid to block construction of the £400m road. | William Walton, from protest group Road Sense, lodged a legal bid to block construction of the £400m road. |
A judge rejected that but Mr Walton then appealed against the decision. | |
The appeal, before judges in Edinburgh, was heard in December after it had been agreed Mr Walton's costs would be covered, win or lose. | The appeal, before judges in Edinburgh, was heard in December after it had been agreed Mr Walton's costs would be covered, win or lose. |
Road Sense argued the process of route selection was "fundamentally flawed and unjust". | Road Sense argued the process of route selection was "fundamentally flawed and unjust". |
However, many business leaders in the area support the scheme. | However, many business leaders in the area support the scheme. |
A statement released by the Scottish Court Service on Wednesday morning said: "The appeal has been refused. The full opinion will be available at 12:00 today on the Scottish Court Service website." | |
Mr Walton told BBC Scotland he was "disappointed" at the decision of the judges and may consider an appeal to the Supreme Court, after consulting members before a final decision. | |
He said: "We will have to look at the judgement in detail." | |
'Overwhelmingly supported' | |
North East Labour MSP Richard Baker said: "Now it is time to end the legal arguments and get on with the important work of building this vital transport initiative." | |
Ian Armstrong, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry's (SCDI) regional director, said: "The Western Peripheral Route is the most essential infrastructure project for maximising Aberdeen's competitiveness and the major contribution the city can make to national economic success in the long-term. | |
"The AWPR is overwhelmingly supported by businesses and the public, has been approved by the Scottish government, and appeals against it have now been rejected twice. | |
"It is time for opponents to accept these democratic and legal decisions, and for the Scottish government to get on with building the project for the good of the north east economy." |