Funding approved for research into new M5 junction

The plan would change the motorway around junction nine in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet has approved funding to develop a business case for a new junction on the M5.

The proposal would see the A46 re-routed around Ashchurch to the Teddington Hands roundabout, joining a new motorway junction south of junction 9.

It would also see upgrades to the existing junction in an effort to keep up with population growth and traffic issues.

The council has spent more than £10 million pounds on the business case so far and has just signed off spending £3 million more.

The work would then need to be signed off by the Department for Transport (DfT) who would fund the upgrades.

It is hoped the development will unlock economic opportunities whilst easing traffic on the A46 and preparing for up to 10,000 new homes in the Tewkesbury Borough.

But some are concerned about the impact a new junction and road would bring.

'Noise and pollution'

The Teddington and Alstone A46 Advisory Group (TAAG) have long had concerns about what it would mean for the small villages in the area.

They believe the new road will come down the A435, significantly impacting the area.

Chair of the group Jan Mallett said if this were to happen it would "completely" change the "quality of our life".

"You're not just talking about a few extra cars, this is seen as a major trunk road," Ms Mallet said.

"You're talking noise, pollution, light pollution, safety, flooding."

The final route hasn't been decided yet but four different as-yet undisclosed proposals are being considered.

Cabinet member in charge of Environment and Planning, Councillor David Gray, said the public will be told more once the business case and routes are finalised.

"Whenever these big schemes are being brought forward, inevitably there are concerns and we perfectly understand that," he said.

"But I live near to junction 9 across at Winchcombe, and if I'm trying to get across to Tewkesbury that road is generally a disaster - so it is not the case we are ruining a perfect situation, it is already a problem."

The county council is unlikely to go back to the DfT for a formal funding bid until 2026 once the outline business case has been submitted.

Between now and then a public consultation on the project will take place.