New M5 junction in Devon takes step closer

Devon County Council is set to make a case to the Government for funds to build a second M5 junction and bridge at Cullompton. The new junction, located south of Cullompton, is a crucial part of plans for the town's expansion and the development of the new Culm Garden Village.

The village could see up to 5,000 homes being built east of the town. However, there are already significant traffic issues at Junction 28 during peak hours which often result in long queues along Station Road, affecting air quality in the town.

In December, the council sought public opinion on its plans to tackle these issues. The favoured solution was to construct a new junction and bridge south of Junction 28 with south-facing slip-roads. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion at Junction 28 and improve air quality in the town centre.

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The proposals also included a Cullompton Relief Road from Duke Street to Station Road and supporting walking and cycling improvements. Almost 900 people responded to the engagement, with 92 per cent supporting the need for a Town Centre Relief Road and 95 per cent supporting the need for improvements to Junction 28. Almost 80 per cent of those who responded backed the preferred option, a second bridge and south-facing slip roads.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, it has further strengthened our case for our funding bid to the Department of Transport.

“Congestion is a major issue in the town and has been for some time and the slip road and junction no longer has the capacity to cope with the volume of traffic. It’s affecting the local economy, people’s lives and the viability of future development plans in the area.

“I’m pleased to see that an overwhelming majority of those who responded agree that our proposals for a new junction is the best solution.”

Cllr Steven Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Mid Devon District Council, said: “This is a fantastic endorsement from the Cullompton community, and we really welcome the backing of Devon County Council to take forward this vital scheme to the Department of Transport. Not only will it improve the local environment for people, but it will also enable Mid Devon to deliver its local plan for the Culm Garden Village.”

Cllr John Berry, the local county councillor for Cullompton and Bradninch, said: “I have been campaigning for the Cullompton Relief Road and a second junction, for a long time. Many doubted it would ever happen, but I am delighted that after many years of encouraging people to think positively that we are now going to send our business case for funding to Government.

“The daily volume of traffic that uses Junction 28 is untenable; it’s so high at peak times that cars queue dangerously onto the slip roads, the Town is gridlocked, and it has a knock-on effect on the wider local network, roads such as the B3181, and the A373 to Honiton.

“I’m delighted that so many local people agree that it is vital something needs to be done and support the proposals. It’s the only viable way forward.”

Devon County Council’s Cabinet last week approved the submission of a Strategic Outline Case for funding to the Department of Transport (DfT). No timescale for when a decision would be made has been announced.