MID Devon residents have been urged not to jump to the conclusion that Cullompton’s relief road could be scrapped because of the government’s review of major infrastructure projects.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed at the end of July that she is seeking to fill what she called a £20 billion shortfall in government finances, including by delaying some infrastructure schemes.
Mid Devon District Council leader Luke Taylor (Liberal Democrat, Bradninch) said some Cullompton residents worry the scheme could be delayed or scrapped.
It is claimed to be a vital plank in the future development of the town, including a 1,300-strong housing scheme.
“My wife works in Cullompton and everyone has been saying that the latest announcement from the chancellor means a lot of infrastructure projects will be cancelled,” he said.
“It is causing concern, and social media is full of comments and concerns, with rumblings around Cullompton that this means the scrapping of the relief road.”
Cllr Steve Keable (Liberal Democrat, Taw Vale), cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, “acknowledges people’s alarm” but says the council is working hard to ensure the scheme would still be supported.
“My heart goes out to the people of Cullompton, as they have had their hopes raised and dashed, raised and dashed, and raised and dashed, but we hope that because of the government’s other need – namely for homes, which this would help deliver – that this scheme is a win-win,” he said.
Richard Marsh, MDDC’s director of place and economy, said the council is waiting for a decision on an application for government funding for the road.
“But the good thing that Cullompton has is that we have a real, significant opportunity to deliver key enabling infrastructure, which is consented, and addresses existing constraints and unlocks roughly 1,300 new homes,” he said.
“I don’t think there are many places around that have that; a binary decision about funding for a road that then unlocks that many houses so quickly.”
He added that the government is looking to delay or scrap major schemes that had a “dubious economic case” but the Cullompton relief road scheme had an encouraging benefit cost ratio, meaning “anyone looking at the scheme will see that its bang for buck is good”.
The discussion came as the council provided an update on plans to move Cullompton Cricket Club to Horn Road, east of the M5, should work on the relief road begin.
The council stressed that ensuring aspects that are part of the wider relief road scheme progress is key to showing the government it is committed to the plans.
It is hoped that the work on the new cricket square will start soon and be finished by the end of September, giving it time to settle before games are played on it.
Bradley Gerrard
LDRS