COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead to seek compulsory purchase orders if needed on land ear marked to build a new section of road to bypass the unstable section of the A59 at Kex Gill between Skipton and Harrogate.

North Yorkshire County Council is due in November to submit a planning application for the three mile stretch of road, and around the same time will also submit its full business case for the £43.7 million project to the Government’s Department for Transport.

There are more than 20 different landowners involved in the 33 hectares, or 81 acres, site, on the left hand side of the A59, heading towards Harrogate from Skipton.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive member for access, said:”Last week, my executive colleagues and I approved a report seeking authority to take all necessary steps to make the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order to acquire the land needed for the new route, should such orders be needed.

“As always, every effort will be made to secure the land by negotiation.”

Cllr Mackenzie added: “Subject to granting of planning permission, approval of funding by the Department for Transport, and on the assumption that the Secretary of State does not call for a public inquiry, it is hoped to start construction work next spring and have the new road finished by summer 2021.

“The cost of the whole project is estimated at £43.7million of which £4.95million has already been set aside in North Yorkshire County Council’s capital budget.”