Another milestone has been successfully achieved as the project moves closer to the start of construction work on Cullompton’s relief road.

The successful purchase of land from Tesco means that another key parcel of land has been secured in order to enable delivery of the road. Alongside other recent land acquisitions, this means that the relief road delivery team continues to make good progress on delivery of the road.

Richard Marsh, Director of Place & Economy, said:

“It’s great to see this continued forward momentum and to acquire this key parcel of land from Tesco. In selling its land to support delivery of the scheme, Tesco has acted positively and has recognised the need and compelling case for the road.

“The decision has also come at a crucial time for Cullompton, as the town progresses other major infrastructure plans, with ongoing ambitions for a new railway station and improvements to junction 28 also on the cards. This news marks the over-coming of another major hurdle to finally deliver the road for the people and businesses in the town.”

Stuart Hodges, Property Asset Manager at Tesco, said:

“We are pleased to have helped progress Cullompton's relief road project. At Tesco, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we recognise the significant benefits this relief road will bring to the town. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for the town and help alleviate local congestion."

Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, added:

“This Council continues to work hard to deliver for the residents of Cullompton and I am delighted with this further progress. What we now need is for Government to build on this excellent progress and confirm the further investment required to upgrade J28 of the M5 to unlock Culm Garden Village in earnest and address historic transport issues within the town.”

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for highways, said:

“We welcome this important step in the long awaited and much-needed development of the relief road, which will ease congestion and improve access for residents, workers and visitors to the town.”

The relief road, which secured planning permission in January 2021, will run from Station Road in the north to Duke Street in the south and will also include enhanced walking and cycling facilities to support sustainable and active travel within the town.

It has been long awaited by local residents as it will address town centre congestion, improve air quality in the town and support the vibrancy of the town centre. The project is supported by Homes England and Devon County Council and is essential to unlock planned homes – both at North West Cullompton and to the east of the M5 where the initial phase of homes associated with the Culm Garden Village are proposed.

Construction work on the relief road is due to begin in 2026 with the road due to be completed in 2028.

A business case for the much-needed improvement work to junction 28 of the M5 is currently in the hands of central government for determination and funding. Securing the go ahead for this infrastructure work would unlock the development of housing as part of the Culm Garden Village.

Follow progress at: https://letstalk.middevon.gov.uk/cullompton-relief-road.

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Photo left-to-right: George / Kerrie / Cllr Keable - Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Regeneration / Grant Day - Cullompton Tesco Store Manager / Ryan / Richard Marsh - Director of Place & Economy.