Next stage of M5 junction revamp set for approval

The project is expected to cost about £6m

The next stage of a plan to cut bottlenecks at an M5 junction is set to be approved.

Gloucestershire County Council wants to transform junction 9 and the A46 near Tewkesbury to cope with the growth of businesses and rising populations.

The proposal would see the junction reconfigured, and the A46 re-routed around Ashchurch to the Teddington Hands roundabout.

The scheme would also support a separate plan to build 10,000 new homes and create 120 hectares of employment land at Ashchurch.

The authority's cabinet will likely agree a series of proposals on Thursday, including launching a public consultation on options for the development.

A council report said improvements to the A46 will help to "unlock economic potential" throughout Gloucestershire.

A council report said: "Key investments will be necessary to unlock this considerable economic potential, giving the ‘lift up’ needed for the A46 to take on an even stronger role in national prosperity.

"Infrastructure investment will provide a strong opportunity to engage in the levelling-up process across the nation."

The plan, called the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme, is expected to cost more than £6m.

National Highways agreed in 2022 to deliver the scheme if the outline business case is approved.