A major road-building project coming to a close in the south-west has received praise from a number of quarters for the planning processes used in its construction.

The A30 Bodmin to Indian Queens scheme in Cornwall was undertaken in order to address a notorious bottleneck on the route to and from the county, with £93 million dedicated to upgrading a single-lane carriageway to a dual carriageway to take on problems at the site.

While the previous road cut through a European Area of Special Conservation, the new road was planned to divert traffic around the site, in what Natural England described as a "fantastic example" of partnership working.

The Highways Agency worked alongside local communities, Natural England and a number of other bodies to ensure that the route met the needs of all sufficiently, while investing significant time and effort in preserving the local landscape and wildlife.

And Transport Minister Tom Harris asserted: "This major investment will bring economic benefits to the county and it has opened the way for a whole range of environmental improvements to Goss Moor and the surrounding area which can now be opened up for walkers, cyclists and horseriders to enjoy."

Natural England was formed by bringing together the recreational elements of the Countryside Agency with the land management functions of the rural development service.