The proposed bridge will be 400 metres long

A High Court judge ruled on Wednesday that plans to build a new bridge over the River Taw would not be stopped because of concerns about wildlife.

Friends of the Earth member Anthony Brown from South Molton had argued that the development would disturb otters and seabirds.

But Mr Justice Collins said the Department of Transport had properly balanced the environmental impact against the "overwhelming benefits" of the scheme before approving it.

If all goes well in the construction phase then by summer 2006 the bypass will be open Brian Greenslade, deputy leader Devon County Council

Plans for the Barnstaple Western Bypass include a 2.7 kilometre stretch of new road and the 400-metre long five-span bridge across the River Taw, to be known as the Downstream Bridge.

The judge accepted the project was likely to cause disturbance to otters living in the area, but save for some continuing traffic noise, he said the disturbance was only likely to be temporary and be "so small as not to amount to a good reason for refusing to approve the orders".

'Construction phase'

Deputy Leader of Devon County Council Brian Greenslade said work should start within a year.

"I would expect to see construction activity in the next 12 months," he said.

"If all goes well in the construction phase then by summer 2006 the bypass will be open.

"As part of preparations for the Western Bypass we did a complete a very expensive environmental impact study so we were able to demonstrate we'd already taken those points on board."