Cullompton to get relief road

Stalled project received planning permission in 2021

Culllompton's long-planned relief road is to become a reality after the government stumped up £34 million to help pay for it.

Once complete, traffic should be diverted away from the town centre, and the opportunity opens up for the creation of 5,000 new homes in a settlement called the Culm Garden Village.

Recently preparations got under way with the start of relocating Cullompton Cricket Club.

Mid Devon District Council claims the new road will improve air quality in the town and make the town centre more vibrant.

In a statement the council said: "The construction of the relief road was supported by Homes England as it is also essential in unlocking 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. These works would have remained stalled without the hard work of all those involved, including Mid Devon District Council, Devon County Council and Homes England.

"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 is expected that the relief road will be the first phase of major road infrastructure investment in Cullompton with further investment expected to support the upgrading of J28 in order to address the capacity of the junction and support wider planned growth. A further business case for investment in the J28 junction is currently with Government for consideration.

Councillor Steve Keable, Mid Devon's cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: “The relief road will address the growing pressure of traffic congestion and air pollution. Without the relief road, Mid Devon would also not be able to meet the local need for new homes.

“Recognising this mandate for delivery, I would now call on Tesco to meaningfully engage with us in relation to the transfer of land they own which is required to deliver the relief road, so that we can deliver the relief road and realise its benefits as soon as possible.”