Jean Harris, a 79-year-old grandmother, is refusing to sell a section of her garden for a £45 million road scheme in Herefordshire, citing the need to protect a 500-year-old oak tree and local wildlife. The retired school secretary and piano teacher lives in a three-bed bungalow on a two-thirds of an acre plot in the village of Allensmore. The proposed Southern Link Road, a 3km single carriageway connecting the A465 and A49 south-west of Hereford city centre, would cut through her property, bringing a 60mph road just yards from her home.
Impact on Property and Quality of Life
Jean Harris says the road would make her home unsellable and cause constant noise pollution. “All I will hear 24 hours a day is road noise. It'll be an absolute nightmare... Lorries or big vehicles will create lots of loud noises, the vibration will be horrible. It will be horrendous,” she said. She purchased the bungalow for £175,000 in 2003, and it is now valued at around £575,000. However, she fears the bypass will significantly depreciate its value. “I did have the house recently valued but it will certainly depreciate. I am quite concerned about that. I have no plans to sell up and it's just as well because who would want to buy a property right next to a busy bypass?” she added.
Environmental Concerns
Jean’s biggest concern is the impact on wildlife and a “local landmark” ancient oak tree on a neighbouring farmer’s field. She estimates the tree is about 500 years old and in perfect condition. “We get lots of bats and owls, there’s lots of wildlife around here. It’s a key area for all wildlife, and to lose it would be catastrophic. Then there’s the oak tree. It’s very old, about 500 years or so, and in perfect condition. Why would you want to ruin that?” she said. She also argues that the road would do little to ease congestion in Hereford despite its cost. “It’s been called the Southern Link road, but it doesn’t do anything to alleviate heavy traffic in Hereford. I feel that it should not be built as a stand alone scheme,” she stated.
Legal and Personal Battle
Jean says she flatly refuses to discuss selling any of her land and has not entered negotiations with Herefordshire Council. The fight has become more personal after the recent death of her husband Michael. “It’s been a hard time for us all. I lost my husband Michael recently so now the burden is on me to fight this,” she said. Rough estimates value the 385 square metre section of land required from her garden at more than £58,000. Council chiefs are prepared to press ahead, even if it means forcing Jean to give up the land through a compulsory purchase order.
Council’s Position
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “Most landowners have either agreed terms for the sale of their land or are close to reaching an agreement. In one case, discussions were paused by agreement to allow the landowner additional time and we remain committed to working constructively to reach a voluntary agreement. Alongside these discussions, the council has begun the compulsory purchase process where required. This is a normal part of delivering major infrastructure projects and ensures the land needed for the scheme can be secured if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.” The planning permission for the road dates back to 2015, and work is hoped to begin in December this year. Jean believes that since then, assessments into environmental harm have been tightened, and the road may not comply with current rules.
