A significant transport improvement project has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination by Gloucestershire County Council. The application includes key developments aimed at improving local infrastructure and traffic flow, benefiting both motorists and non-motorised users. The project proposal was officially accepted for examination on January 16, 2024, and underwent a detailed six-month examination process, with local communities and interested parties given the opportunity to provide evidence and feedback.
Details of the Application
The proposed project focuses on several key transportation improvements in the Gloucestershire area, including:
- Improvements to Junction 10 on the M5: Upgrades to enhance traffic flow and safety at this busy junction.
- New Road Linking Junction 10 to West Cheltenham: A new road designed to connect Junction 10 to the western part of Cheltenham, improving accessibility and reducing congestion.
- Widening of the A4019 East of Junction 10: Expanding this section of the road to accommodate increased traffic and improve travel times.
- Provision of Footways and Cycle Lanes: Dedicated, separate footways and cycle lanes for non-motorised traffic will be included along local roads within the project limits, ensuring safer travel options for pedestrians and cyclists.
Examination Process and Community Involvement
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on December 19, 2023, and was accepted for examination shortly thereafter. The examination process included opportunities for local communities, statutory consultees, and other interested parties to engage and provide evidence to the Examining Authority.
The Examining Authority took the time to listen to the views of local people, the local authority, and other stakeholders. They carefully considered all the evidence provided before making recommendations to the Secretary of State on March 4, 2025. This application is the 58th transport application out of 157 that have been examined as part of the ongoing infrastructure review process.
Public Access to Information
Once the recommendations were made, the decision, the recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport, and all the evidence considered during the examination process were made publicly available. The details can be accessed on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website, ensuring transparency and public access to the key information regarding the project.
Contact Information for Journalists
For journalists seeking additional information about the application or examination process, the Planning Inspectorate Press Office is available. They can be reached by calling 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or by emailing press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
