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Consultation:

M5 Junction 28 and Town Centre Relief Road

This consultation is now closed. The results of the public engagement can be found in the full Engagement Report. Alternatively, you can use the dashboard below.

A full screen version of this dashboard can be viewed here.

Background 

The recent Network North announcement makes specific reference to the M5 Junction 28 scheme, showing it is on Government’s radar but identifying that the scheme is still subject to the Business Case approval stages (see below). Devon County Council are therefore very keen to progress this work quickly.

Devon County Council have been working closely with Mid Devon District Council to identify options to improve M5 Junction 28. Devon County Council are in the process of finalising the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) and submit this to the Department for Transport (DfT) to draw down funding to develop the scheme through the Large Local Majors Fund process.

The purpose of this public engagement was to provide an update on the technical work carried out to date on the options assessment process and to understand the public opinion of the preferred option.

This public engagement process was aimed at getting a public opinion on the highway options. These options incorporate walking and cycling improvements; however it should also be noted that there is additional work being carried out on how walking, cycling and public transport can also be improved more generally in the area. A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) is being drafted identifying improvements to walking and cycling, not just in Cullompton but also connections to Willand, Uffculme and Tiverton and public consultation on this will start in 2024. A sustainable travel document is being drafted in support of the Strategic Outline Case which includes a vision for improving sustainable travel options and work is also progressing on inclusion of mobility hubs across the town. The reopening of Cullompton railway station is also gaining momentum and is planned to be open in 2025 which will also help improve sustainable travel in the area.

Issues 

Queuing and congestion occur in and around Cullompton outbound in the morning and inbound in the evening. Queues along the length of Station Road between the High Street and M5 Junction 28 regularly occur. Queuing on the northbound off-slip also occurs regularly in the evening peak and sometimes back onto the mainline which is a safety concern for National Highways.

The High Street is also dominated by vehicles which leads to the majority of Cullompton being a designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). This, along with narrow pavements leads to the High Street being an unpleasant experience for pedestrians and cyclists.

The adopted Mid Devon Local Plan proposes significant growth of homes and jobs in the Cullompton area and so improvements to the road infrastructure are required to enable this to happen and to mitigate any impacts.

The first phase of mitigation is the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road. Mid Devon District Council put in bids to the Levelling Up Fund at tranches 1 and 2 but were unfortunately unsuccessful. The two councils remain fully committed to deliver this scheme which was granted planning permission in January 2021 and are looking at alternative funding sources to deliver it. This scheme has also been included with the Junction 28 improvements as part of the ask to the DfT for funding through the Large Local Majors fund. This will provide the required improvements to accommodate the proposed development traffic within the town and wider area.

The second phase of mitigation is junction improvements to Junction 28, for which a number of options have been considered.

Options 

A number of improvement options have been considered and detailed technical work has been carried out on these. Each of the options has challenges in terms of delivery given the constraints which include the close proximity of the railway, M5 and floodplain and engagement with National Highways, Network Rail and the Environment Agency has been fed into the option sifting process.

A set of key objectives for the scheme were created by the project team, made up of Mid Devon District Council, Devon County Council and agreed with National Highways. These objectives are:

  • Support efficient and safer operation of the Strategic Road Network (SRN),
  • Support efficient and safer operation of the local transport network,
  • Support the opportunity for existing and new residents to make sustainable travel choices
  • Minimise negative, environmental impacts including carbon, water, and other environmental impacts,
  • Support delivery of the development within the adopted Local Plan and longer-term proposals at the Culm Garden Village.

The long list of options was initially assessed against these scheme objectives and any options which did not meet these were discarded. Additional technical work was carried out on the remaining options and considered:

  • changes to journey times,
  • potential environmental impacts,
  • potential social impacts,
  • financial impacts,
  • deliverability and construction impacts,
  • key risks
  • stakeholder opinions from National Highways, Network Rail and the Environment Agency

All the options considered are shown on the map below. The reasons for discounting most is included in this document, alternatively see the tabs below.

Map showing all options considered. Click on the map above to see the full pdf document.
  • Option 1

    Option description:

    Provision of a new gyratory style motorway junction, replacing the existing M5 Junction 28 and constructing a brand new two bridge junction south of the existing Junction 28 with bus priority and active travel infrastructure provided at the existing junction bridge.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)    Deliverability issues with difficulty to connect into the on the western side of M5. Will require different alignment of Relief Road

    2)    Construction of multiple structures (e.g. bridges) over the railway line and River Culm.

    3)    Large scale disruption to open public space including Cullompton Community Association fields and sports facilities.

    4)    Impact on business with closure of existing slip roads. For example access to Cullompton Services and proposed Railway Station.

  • Option 2

    Option description:

    New junction south of M5 Junction 28 providing an additional motorway junction including south facing slip roads connecting to the M5. Active travel infrastructure to be provided utilising the existing M5 Junction 28 and new motorway crossing. Bus priority will be provided on the local road network, specifically the new links crossing the motorway.

    Reason for exclusion:

    Preferred Option

  • Option 3

    Option description:

    New bridge south of M5 Junction 28 providing an alternative link crossing over the M5 for all modes with bus priority and active travel infrastructure included.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option does not provide enough capacity for the existing and future traffic demands.

    2)      There are no connections to the Strategic Road Network (M5).

    3)      Congestion and delay currently experienced at M5 J28 would remain in some capacity.

    4)      Large scale disruption to the Cullompton Community Association fields and sports facilities, above that already previously considered for the Town Centre Relief Road proposal.

  • Option 4

    Option description:

    New bus and active travel bridge south of M5 Junction 28

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 5

    Option description:

    New pedestrian and cycle bridge south of M5 Junction 28

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 6

    Option description:

    Provision of a new  two bridge gyratory style motorway junction north of the existing M5 Junction 28, replacing the existing junction.  Bus priority and active travel infrastructure provided at the existing junction bridge.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      Construction of multiple structures (e.g. bridges) over the railway line.

    2)      Mitigation for the extent of flood plain required could be very difficult, due to meandering rivers and natural change of course.

    3)      Impact on business with closure of existing slip roads. For example access to Cullompton Services and proposed Railway Station.

  • Option 7

    Option description:

    New junction north of M5 Junction 28 providing an additional motorway junction including north facing slip roads connecting to the M5. Active travel infrastructure provided remote from both junctions. Bus priority will be provided on the local road network, specifically the new links crossing the motorway.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      Capacity improvements are not sufficient as north facing slip roads do not support the key movement of traffic from Cullompton to essential services and employment to the south (Exeter).

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

    3)      Flooding issues to the North constraining option delivery as requires slip roads to be constructed in flood relief channel.

  • Option 8

    Option description:

    New bridge north of M5 Junction 28 providing an alternative link crossing over the M5 for all modes with bus priority and remote active travel infrastructure included.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option does not provide enough capacity for the existing and future traffic demands.

    2)      There are no connections to the Strategic Road Network (M5).

    3)      Congestion and delay considered to remain at existing M5 Junction 28, in some capacity.

    4)      Flooding issues to the North constraining option delivery  as requires slip road to be constructed in flood relief channel

  • Option 9

    Option description:

    New bridge north of existing M5 Junction 28 dedicated to public transport and active travel.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 10

    Option description:

    New pedestrian and cycle bridge north of existing M5 Junction 28.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 11

    Option description:

    Converting existing 6-arm western roundabout to a 4-arm signalised junction with the inclusion of bus prioritisation and remote active travel links.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Scheme options do not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

    3)      The disruption during construction would be very high with limited benefits once completed.

    4)      Difficulties with providing connections to the existing local businesses, properties and Motorway Service Area

  • Option 12

    Option description:

    Converting existing roundabout into a signalised 6-arm junction with the inclusion of bus prioritisation and remote active travel links.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Scheme options do not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

    3)      The disruption during construction would be very high with limited benefits once completed.

    4)      Difficulties with providing connections to the existing local businesses, properties and Motorway Service Area

  • Option 13

    Option description:

    Construction of a new bridge at M5 Junction 28 to enable a gyratory system with signalised junctions to be established. This will include an allowance for bus prioritisation and remote active travel links.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      Predicted high levels of disruption associated with the construction of the option to the strategic and local road network.

    2)      Deliverability issues due to level and construction of existing bridges, need for departure from standards.

    3)      Retaining accesses also very difficult, especially Cullompton Services and business close to the junction with any improvements in this area due to the necessary road closures and diversions.

    4)      Access to the proposed Railway Station could be hindered.

    5)      Scheme would concentrate all traffic to one location on the network impacting the potential resilience of the network that a second access would provide.

  • Option 14

    Option description:

    Widening of existing Station Road, provision of separate active travel route across motorway to the south of the existing M5 Junction 28 and creation of additional local access route over existing Duke street M5 bridge.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      There are no connections to the Strategic Road Network (M5).

    3)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28, in some capacity.

    4)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 15

    Option description:

    Provision of segregated active travel routes connecting the proposed Culm Garden Village to Cullompton Town Centre, Cullompton Railway Station and the North West Extension.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 16

    Option description:

    Provision of bus priority measures at the existing M5 Junction 28 connecting the proposed Culm Garden Village to Cullompton Town Centre, Cullompton Railway Station and the North West Extension.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 17

    Option description:

    Mobility hub at Cullompton Railway Station. Bus lanes, bus gates and bus priority along links connecting Cullompton Town Centre to Culm Garden Village, railway station and north west extension. Facilities for intermodal transfers and connections, including improved active travel infrastructure and facilities.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 18

    Option description:

    Implementation of traffic demand management strategies and integrated technology across Cullompton including at any new developments. Incorporating sustainable planning strategies for Culm Garden Village with the intention to reduce trips generated from the development. (Option not plotted on scheme option plan)

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 19

    Option description:

    Introducing new bus services (shuttles) between Culm Garden Village, Cullompton Town Centre, Cullompton railway station and North west extension. With additional services introduced to wider employment centres at Exeter, J27 etc. (Option not plotted on scheme option plan)

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 20

    Option description:

    A new junction on the M5 between J27 and J28 using the existing B3181 bridge adding new slip roads to it. This will provide a direct link between the new junction and the Culm Garden Village and include the relocation of the service station facilities from J28 to J27 and relocating freight traffic.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      Capacity improvements are not sufficient and do not support the key movement of traffic from Cullompton to essential services and employment to the south (Exeter). People using the junction would be unlikely to travel north to the new junction if they intend to travel southbound towards Exeter on the motorway.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

    3)      Significant viaducts would be required over the flood plain, which would have significant environmental implications as well as cost implications.

    4)      The scheme would require a long access road through the floodplain to access the Culm Garden Village.

    5)      The land the southbound off-slip travels through is allocated for housing.

  • Option 21

    Option description:

    Alternative connection to the SRN at Hele utilising existing 5.5m wide underpass with four slip roads on to the M5 at Hele.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further improvements being provided at or near M5 J28.

    2)      Scheme is a long way away from the development and existing town and would be likely to be seen as less attractive option and so less likely to be used than current J28.

    3)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

    4)      Scheme options do not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 22

    Option description:

    Alternative connection to the SRN at Hele by providing a new bridge with four slip roads onto the M5 at Hele.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further improvements being provided at or near M5 J28.

    2)      Scheme is a long way away from the development and existing town and would be likely to be seen as less attractive option and so less likely to be used than current J28.

    3)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

    4)      Scheme options do not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 23

    Option description:

    Alternative connection to the SRN at Hele by providing a double bridge with four one lane slip roads accessed off a pair of bridges at Hele.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further improvements being provided at or near M5 J28.

    2)      Scheme is a long way away from the development and existing town and would be likely to be seen as less attractive option and so less likely to be used than current J28.

    3)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

    4)      Scheme options do not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 24

    Option description:

    Introduction of south facing bus only slip roads in the vicinity of Duke Street Bridge with connections to Relief Road on the western side and directly to the Garden Village on the east.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      The option provides insufficient capacity as a stand-alone measure without further infrastructure being provided.

    2)      Congestion and delay would be likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28

    3)      Scheme option does not meet the objectives in delivering growth in the area as set out in the Mid Devon Local Plan.

  • Option 25

    Option description:

    New junction north of M5 Junction 28 providing an additional motorway junction including north and south facing slip roads connecting to the M5. This would require closure of existing north facing slip roads. Active travel infrastructure provided remote from both junctions. Bus priority will be provided on the local road network, specifically the new links crossing the motorway.

    Reason for exclusion:

    1)      Construction of multiple structures (e.g. bridges) over the railway line.

    2)      Mitigation for the extent of flood plain required could be very difficult, due to meandering rivers and natural change of course.

    3)      Flooding issues to the North constraining option delivery as requires slip roads to be constructed in flood relief channel

    4)      Impact on business would be extensive (farms, Cullompton services, proposed station and industrial estate).

    5)      Capacity improvements are not sufficient and result in unacceptable queuing on the network.

    6)      Congestion and delay considered likely to remain at existing M5 Junction 28.

Through this extensive option sifting and stakeholder engagement, the preferred option identified would see the provision of a new Motorway junction to the south of the existing M5 Junction 28. This new junction will include south facing slip roads connecting onto the M5 motorway and provide a connection to the proposed Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road. The new junction will connect directly into the proposed Culm Garden Village development site to the east with the western end of the scheme connecting into the existing Cullompton road network and the town centre providing a high-quality link road with associated active travel and public transport provision. This scheme is shown below.

Drawing of the preferred option. Click on the map above to see the full pdf document.

Next Steps

This consultation is now closed and responses are being analysed and considered. Devon County Council will be taking the scheme to Cabinet in March to seek approval to adopt the preferred option and approve submission of the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT will review the submission, and if successful grant funding to DCC to develop the scheme through the Large Local Majors Fund.

It should be noted that the SOC is the first of three stages of the process and the DfT will need to sign off approval at each stage before the scheme can progress to the next stage and there is no guarantee it will be approved. Assuming everything goes to plan, the earliest the scheme could start construction is 2029, with completion in 2031.

Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council are investigating all options to deliver the Relief Road prior to this but at present the Large Local Majors Fund is the only definite funding source available hence the reason for including the Relief Road as part of the J28 scheme.

Have Your Say

The consultation period ran from 13 December 2023 until Monday 5 February 2024. Feedback was submitted through our online survey.

Useful Links

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Need

    Why is the scheme required? Cullompton currently has a constrained transport network. Narrow roads through the town centre lead to queuing and congestion through the town and along Station Road to the motorway junction. This results in slow, unreliable journey times, causing driver frustration and air pollution resulting in most of Cullompton being designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), as well as queuing on the slip roads which is a safety concern. This results in poor overall connectivity and constrains planned development growth in the area.
    Why has the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road (CTCRR) not been delivered? There is currently not sufficient funding to deliver the road. Mid Devon submitted two bids to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) but unfortunately neither of these were successful. Given the high cost of £35m, it is not feasible for the developers to fund the full road without additional funding contributions.
    Why were the previous funding bids not successful and what will be different this time? The LUF bid required the funding to be spent within 2 years of being received. The Town Centre Relief Road scheme requires land acquisition; this was seen as a big risk to the scheme delivery programme and was the main reason for the bids being unsuccessful. The scheme is now seeking funding through the Department for Transport’s Large Local Major schemes fund, which has less constrained delivery timescales.
    Why won’t the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road work on its own? The Town Centre Relief Road will help in removing traffic from the Town Centre and relieving the blocking back into M5 Junction 28 but it will not provide sufficient additional capacity at Junction 28 to allow all of the proposed development to come forward.
    Who supports this scheme? The scheme has support from officers and Councillors at DCC and MDDC, and has been developed in collaboration with National Highways.  The public have previously raised concerns about queuing at M5 Junction 28 and congestion in the town centre; DCC are holding this public engagement exercise to understand the level of public support for a scheme.
    Why not improve public transport? The scheme will include public transport improvements such as bus priority measures. The developments within the town will be required to pay contributions towards future bus service improvements but this is not sufficient on its own to mitigate the impacts of additional future traffic.

    Benefits

    What benefits will this scheme bring to the economy of Cullompton? The scheme will allow the proposed residential and employment developments in the town to come forward, which will result in benefits to the local economy.  The removal of traffic and queuing on the High Street will make the town more attractive to ongoing and future investment opportunities.
    How many jobs will be created? The construction of the scheme itself will generate local jobs. When open, the scheme will unlock future employment development which will provide additional jobs in the town.
    What are the benefits of the M5 J28 Improvement element? The scheme will reduce existing delays and congestion in the area, improving journey times and reliability for all transport modes. It will also include pedestrian, cycle and bus routes to connect the proposed Culm Garden Village to the existing town.

    Planning and Delivery

    How will the scheme be delivered? The Town Centre Relief Road element already has a granted planning permission. Options to deliver this ahead of the J28 improvements by using alternative funding sources are being investigated, but the current Large Local Major scheme funding bid requires both the Relief Road and J28 elements of the scheme to be delivered at the same time.
    How will the existing sports facilities be relocated? Where will the facilities be relocated to and what is the programme for relocation? Relocating the sports facilities was included as part of the planning permission for the Relief Road. These facilities will be relocated prior to any construction works on the existing sites to avoid disruption. The bowls club and football club will remain within the CCA fields, while the cricket club will be relocated to Horn Road as part of the Culm Garden Village.
    How will the scheme interact with the opening of Cullompton Station? The opening of the station is likely to be delivered before any Junction 28 improvements so all options have assumed the station will be in place. The preferred option does not include any changes at the existing junction so will not impact on the access or operation of the station, but the improved pedestrian and cycle links will improve access to the station by sustainable modes.

    Options

    What options did you look at? Numerous options were considered and are summarised in the supporting information on the public engagement website.
    What options can I choose from? Supporting technical assessments have concluded that only one option is deliverable in the constrained area, which is the preferred option being proposed in this public engagement event.  Further details of the option assessment process, including why options have been ruled out, are provided on the public engagement website.

    Cost and Economy

    What is the cost of the scheme? The current cost estimate is in the region of £200m. This will be refined as the project develops.
    What is included in the cost estimates? The scheme cost includes everything that is required for the design and construction of the scheme. This includes purchasing the land, developing the scheme design and constructing the scheme, along with appropriate allowances for risk and inflation.
    Who will fund the scheme?

    Homes England has funded the design work to date.

    Following this Public Engagement event, an application will be made to the Department for Transport for further scheme development funding through the Large Local Major schemes fund.

     

    If all scheme funding applications are successful, the scheme would be funded by Central Government with local contributions from developers and delivered by Devon County Council.

    Environment

    What is the impact of the scheme on the environment?

    Impacts on the environment have been considered as part of the options assessment process, and mitigation to eliminate or reduce environmental impacts will be provided within the scheme design. This includes the impact on:

    –       Noise

    –       Air quality

    –       Carbon

    –       Landscape

    –       Townscape

    –       Biodiversity

    –       Flooding

    A more detailed environmental study will be carried out at the next stage of scheme design.

    The extent of environmental impact is not justified.

    The environmental impacts of the scheme have been assessed, are more detailed assessments will be carried out as the scheme progresses.  This will aim to eliminate or minimise any adverse environmental impacts, and mitigation will be provided within the scheme design.

    Without the scheme in place, the existing queuing and congestion in the area will continue, and will worsen in future as additional development comes forward.  This will impact on the designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

    The scheme will provide improvements to the transport network and alleviate queuing and congestion, providing benefits in terms of air quality and vehicle noise.

    The scheme impacts in terms of carbon and flooding will be assessed in detail as the scheme progresses, working closely with the Environment Agency.

    Will pedestrians and cyclists be able to use the scheme?

    The Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road will have a footway on the western side. This scheme also includes making upgrades to the walking and cycling routes through the CCA fields and widening the footway along Meadow Lane to provide additional space for walking and cycling.

    The new motorway bridge will have a segregated pedestrian / cycle link included to improve connectivity between the Culm Garden Village and existing town centre. This will tie into wider improvements to the walking and cycling network within the area

    Will the road lead to poor air quality? Air quality and noise will form part of the environmental assessment. The scheme will remove traffic from the town centre, improving air quality and noise here. Mitigation will be included where there is a potential for noise or air quality impacts.
    Will the new road lead to noise impacts?
    Will public rights of way be maintained where they cross the new road?

    There are limited public rights of way in the area. Connecting to existing routes will be included as the design progresses.

     

    Will the new road lead to further development? Yes. Only a limited amount of development can come forward at NW Cullompton and the Culm Garden Village without the scheme. This is detailed in the adopted Mid Devon Local Plan.
    Will the new road increase flooding? Detailed flood modelling will be carried out at the next stage of the Business Case. However a desktop study has been carried out and concluded that the flooding risk can be managed through appropriate mitigation and this will be included within the scheme.  The Environment Agency hvae been consulted as part of the scheme development process, and we will be working closely with them as the scheme design progresses.

    Design

    What will the speed limit be? The Relief Road will have a 30mph speed limit. The new bridge and connecting road will be subject to detailed design but will be either 30 or 40mph. This will be finalised at the next design stage.
    Are the route alignments fixed?

    The alignment of the Town Centre Relief Road is fixed as this alignment has been granted planning permission.

    The general route of the Junction 28 improvements is fixed but small changes to the alignment may be made as the design of the scheme develops.

    Are the side road layouts fixed? These are not fully fixed, but there are a number of constraints that limit options. However, we are seeking views on the arrangements shown so that we can learn as much as possible about the needs of the local community and further develop the arrangements.
    Will any roads be closed?

    Some roads will be closed, but alternative routes are provided, such as Old Hill on the eastern side of the motorway.

    Further details can be found on the Engagement Plans on the website.

    Why are north facing slip roads not included? Due to the proximity of the new junction to the existing junction, there would be insufficient space between north facing slip roads on the new junction and the south facing slip roads on the existing junction to enable safe operation of the motorway.

    Engagement

    How is my opinion dealt with? All comments received will be considered by the project team and a summary of the responses will be made publicly available after the engagement period closes.
    Have you consulted statutory bodies? The two Council’s have been working collaboratively with National Highways throughout the project. Network Rail and the Environment Agency have also been initially consulted and helped to narrow the options down. Liaison with all key stakeholders will continue as the project develops.

    Programme

    When will you decide the Improvement Scheme? The preferred option has been agreed at officer level given all alternative options have been discarded. Following the analysis of the public engagement responses, a report will be taken to DCC Cabinet in March 2024 before the business case is submitted to the DfT.
    What is the Large Local Major Schemes Business Case process?

    The Large Local Major schemes funding approval process consists of three stages:

    –       Strategic Outline Case (SOC)

    –       Outline Business Case (SOC)

    –       Full Business Case (FBC)

    Each stage has to be approved by the DfT before progressing to the next stage. Scheme construction would only commence after approval of the final FBC submission.

    What is the start date of the scheme? Assuming the Business Case process is followed, construction is expected to start in 2029. However, the Councils are looking at alternative funding to try and accelerate the delivery of the Relief Road.
    When will the scheme be completed? The scheme is expected to be completed by 2031, subject to success approval at each of the business case stages.

    Construction

    Will construction cause disruption? There will be disruption during scheme construction but it is too early to illustrate these currently. A construction management plan will be a planning requirement and will reduce the impact of construction on the local area.
    How long would it take to construct? We expect it would take 2 years to construct the road once Devon County Council have achieved final approval to proceed to construction. The expected construction period will be kept under review during the future development of the scheme.

    Information

    Where can I get more information?

    All information is available on the scheme website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/m5-junction-28

    You may also like to attend one of our public drop-in events, where you can find out more about the proposals and option sorting process and speak to members of the project team:

    ·         Monday 8 January, 15:30-19:00 at Cullompton Community Centre

    ·         Wednesday 10 January, 12:00-16:00 at the Hayridge Centre

     

Options exclusion reasoning

Previous Town Centre Relief Road Consultation

Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road Planning Application

 

 

Accessibility

We take accessibility seriously and recognise that some of the information presented in the files available on this page may not be fully accessible to someone using assistive technology such as a screen reader.

If you need guidance or an alternative format, email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use.

 

Contact information:

Address: Transport Planning, Devon County Council, Room 120, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD

Email: transportplanning@devon.gov.uk

Phone: 0345 155 1004

From
13/12/2023
Until
05/02/2024
District

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