MID Devon District Council has supported Devon County Council in submitting further information to support its bid for critical upgrading works at Cullompton’s Junction 28 of the M5.

The scheme proposes the creation of new south-facing slip roads onto the M5, together with a new overbridge that will accommodate walking, cycling and bus facilities.

These improvements are required to unlock the opportunity of up to 5,000 new homes associated with Culm Garden Village project, to tackle significant congestion that currently affects the junction, resulting in dangerous queuing on the M5, and to support the economy through the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs in the local area.

Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “Securing investment for Junction 28 is the final and vital piece of the jigsaw in securing Cullompton’s future and unlocking Culm Garden Village – a regionally significant housing project, ready after many years of work, but which cannot happen without this new motorway junction.

“The relief road is moving forward, the railway station is to be UK Government funded, and now this crucial motorway upgrade must follow.

“The need for this upgrade was even referenced within the recently launched New Towns Task Force report, which cited congestion at Junction 28 as being a key blocker of future growth within the Devon geography.

“My message to Government is therefore simple: Cullompton and Culm are ready to deliver. Give the Junction 28 scheme the green light and take off the handbrake on growth. Without quick confirmation of funding, significant numbers of homes cannot be built, jobs cannot be delivered and Cullompton’s growth and potential will be held back.”

This latest submission of information builds on Devon County Council’s submission of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to Government in May 2024 and the Comprehensive Spending Review which took place in the summer, but which failed to deliver funding to progress the project, despite what was understood to be a recommendation that funding be awarded.

Despite this, and in the interim, work has continued with developers of the Garden Village, who will provide local contributions towards Junction 28.

This means that the scheme is poised to commence construction as early as 2028, following completion of the Town Centre Relief Road.

Taken together the relief road, railway station and J28 upgrade project will unlock thousands of new homes, boost jobs, improve connectivity and support the long-term growth and sustainability of Cullompton.

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/.