The Inspector, with whom the Secretary of State agreed, found that the scheme would relieve existing traffic congestion on strategic routes through Banwell, improve the environmental quality of the village, and encourage travel by means other than the private car to enable future residential and economic growth in the surrounding area. 

The Inspector considered a number of issues raised in objection, including alternatives, availability of funding, potential impediments to implementation, the extent of benefits and impact on other villages in the area. However, she found that these were either not made out or were outweighed by other considerations. In doing so, she noted that “the proposed Scheme has been subject to a meticulous design and environmental impact assessment process over a number of years”, with review and re-evaluation of the design and alternatives to demonstrate that all of the objectives of the scheme would be met. 

Andrew Tait KC and Alexander Greaves acted for the promoter, North Somerset Council, at the Inquiry into the Orders, instructed by Burges Salmon.