Plans for a second M5 junction at Cullompton have received a major boost, after the Government this week awarded £1.3 million to develop the next stage of the scheme.
The proposed junction is intended to ease pressure on Junction 28 and support planned growth at Culm Garden Village and north-west Cullompton.
The Department for Transport has approved the Strategic Outline Case for the proposed M5 Junction 28 improvement scheme and awarded funding to Devon County Council to allow work to begin on a detailed Outline Business Case.
The funding will be used to develop the design, provide detail on how the new junction would connect to the existing road network and provide a more detailed cost estimate for the project.
The proposed scheme would create a new bridge and south facing slip roads south of the existing Junction 28.
The need for the scheme was highlighted during public engagement in 2024, when more than 90 per cent of respondents backed proposals to improve Junction 28.
Together with the Cullompton Relief Road, where main works are due to start next month, plans for a Cullompton railway station, the scheme is part of wider work to reduce congestion, improve journeys and support planned growth in the area.
Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council member for Cullompton and Cabinet Member for Finance said:
“This is really positive news for Cullompton. Anyone who lives in or travels through the town knows how much congestion around Junction 28 affects everyday life.
“Securing this funding means we can keep moving forward with plans for a second junction, which has the potential to make a real difference for local people, businesses and future generations. There’s still a long way to go, but this is an important milestone.
Councillor Steve Keeble, Mid Devon District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “It’s a winning situation in Cullompton, with the Relief Road main work starting in August, the railway station next year and now the Minister for Transport has given approval to progress to the final stage for the new M5 Junction 28a. This is all fantastic news for residents and visitors to Cullompton, travel will be improved, congestion removed and local long-term growth, supported through the Culm Garden Village, unlocked. This is a testament to both the district and county councils working well together, with Richard Foord MP pushing hard in Parliament.”
Following completion of the Outline Business Case, the scheme would need to progress through a further Full Business Case stage, including land acquisition, planning and procurement processes, before any construction funding could be approved by Government.