Councillors have agreed to set aside up to an extra £20 million to help fund major improvements at the M5’s Junction 10.
At a meeting on Thursday (25 September), the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee – made up of representatives from Cheltenham Borough, Tewkesbury Borough and Gloucester City councils – voted to ringfence the money in support of Gloucestershire County Council’s upgrade scheme.
The decision builds on the £10 million already committed in March this year, taking the total CIL contribution to £30m.
CIL is a charge local authorities place on new developments to fund infrastructure projects, including transport links and green spaces.
Cllr Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and chair of the committee, said the funding shows “a strong commitment – to both our communities and the business sector – about our area’s prospects.”
He added: “With full access to the M5 in both directions, it will be much easier for everyone to travel, work and thrive here. These improvements will also tackle congestion in west Cheltenham, shorten journey times, and improve daily life for thousands of people.”
Cllr Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure at the county council, described the extra funding as a “crucial piece of the jigsaw”.
“While a funding shortfall remains, this demonstrates to Government that strong regional support exists for the scheme,” he said. “It also brings us a step closer to delivering the infrastructure needed to support new housing, employment and investment in the area – but only if we also get the necessary Government support.”
The ringfenced funds will be released to the county council as the project progresses. Preparatory work for the Junction 10 upgrade began earlier this summer, with construction expected to start in spring or summer 2026.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
Original post on the Gloucestershire News Centre website
Gloucestershire News Centre