A resident in Herefordshire is resisting plans to build a major bypass that would run through the bottom of her garden, citing environmental and personal concerns.
The proposed Southern Link Road aims to connect the A49 and A465 around Hereford to reduce congestion in the city centre, which faces daily traffic gridlock.
The scheme was initially approved in 2015. The resident argues that environmental protections have since tightened and that constructing a 60mph road adjacent to homes is not the right solution.
She warns the area supports significant wildlife, including bats and owls, and describes the loss of habitat as potentially catastrophic.
The two-mile, £45 million road would sit near her three-bedroom bungalow, which she has occupied since 2003. She expects constant noise and vibration from lorries and heavy vehicles.
An embankment at the garden's edge would place the road effectively next to the house. She believes this would render her £575,000 property unsellable.
The resident purchased the home for £175,000 and calls it a long-sought dream residence cherished by her family. She has no intention of selling and questions who would buy next to a bypass.
She has refused to negotiate the sale of any land with the local council and has not entered discussions over the required acreage.
The dispute has deepened following the recent death of her husband. Rough valuations place the needed 4,000-square-foot section of garden above £58,000.
County council officials state most landowners have agreed or are near agreement on sales. In one case, talks were paused by mutual consent to give the owner more time.
The council has initiated compulsory purchase proceedings where needed, describing the step as standard for major infrastructure to secure land if voluntary deals fail.
