The proposed bridge will be 409 metres long

Friends of the Earth campaigner Anthony Bown had battled to stop the project to re-route traffic around Barnstaple.

He claimed it would disturb large numbers of seabirds on the Taw and Torridge Estuary, along with the habitat of endangered otters.

But his last-ditch appeal was dismissed by three Appeal Court judges, and Devon County Council leader Brian Greenslade said it was "tremendous news".

"The Appeal Court judges are to be congratulated on the swift and sensible judgement they have made," Mr Greenslade said.

This is a powerful message that the Western Bypass is a sound scheme, both environmentally and in economic terms Brian Greenslade, Devon County Council leader

Mr Bown's only hope now is to seek leave to appeal to the House of Lords.

Plans for the Barnstaple Western Bypass include a 2.7 km stretch of new road and a 409 metre long five-span bridge across the River Taw, to be known as the Downstream Bridge.

Mr Greenslade, who represents Barnstaple North, predicted the news would be greeted with delight by thousands of people in north Devon.

But he was critical of the objectors who "have cost the community time and money".

Relieve congestion

He said the court ruling was "a powerful message that the Western Bypass is a sound scheme, both environmentally and in economic terms".

The bypass scheme should ease traffic congestion in Barnstaple, taking thousands of vehicles out of the town centre.

An economic impact study revealed that, during the first five years after the building of the bypass, the area would see an additional �248m in business turnover and the creation of 1,280 jobs.

The survey showed 74% of local firms believed the scheme would benefit their business, while public consultation showed 92% of local people were in favour of the scheme.

Councillor Greenslade said he believed the court ruling cleared the way for the county council to push on with starting work on the bypass next spring, with the completion expected in the autumn of 2006.