Local leaders and officials have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to secure crucial funding for a major upgrade of the M5 junction in Gloucestershire. The planned Junction 9a, located south of Tewkesbury, includes rerouting a section of the A46 between the M5 and the Teddington Hands roundabout to ease persistent traffic issues.
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) views this “traffic-busting” initiative as essential not only to resolve existing congestion but to support future growth needs. The project, which was estimated in 2024 to cost between £740 million and £930 million, will enable the development of up to 25,000 homes in the Tewkesbury Garden Communities and create at least 100 hectares of employment land.
Liberal Democrat councillor Julian Tooke, responsible for planning and infrastructure, made a heartfelt appeal during a recent cabinet meeting. He emphasized the Prime Minister’s commitment to listening to local communities and called for urgent backing:
“Our new Prime Minister has been very clear that he believes local communities should say what they want and be listened to. GCC, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, and Gloucester City Council have all expressed a clear demand for Junction 9a and the Ashchurch bypass. Andy Burnham, please listen and act.
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“You have also stated that housing and infrastructure must go together. We passionately agree. But infrastructure requires significant funding. We need a swift decision; please stop keeping us hanging on. It’s not fair.”
Councillor Tooke highlighted that this investment is critical as it unlocks land for much-needed housing and employment opportunities focused on advanced manufacturing and defence industries. He stressed the project’s role in strengthening a nationally important route linking the Midlands with the South West and reiterated local residents’ long-standing desire for a bypass to improve quality of life.
He also reflected on fiscal prudence, noting that the previous Conservative administration invested £15 million in the scheme. Since his involvement, he has urged careful spending and even slowed progress when necessary to ensure funds are used wisely. Currently, spending on the project has been capped at £534,000 through September pending a government decision.
“The government’s delays continue to hinder us,” Tooke said. “We don’t want to spend more unnecessarily, but we cannot allow this project to stall. We hope for fast approval from the government to move forward confidently.”
The funding will come from the community infrastructure levy, with thanks extended to the councils supporting the project. Meanwhile, Reform UK group leader Vernon Smith criticized the current administration for delays, stating, “Residents in Tewkesbury and Ashchurch need this project to reduce congestion and deserve a reliable administration capable of delivering it.”
The call for Prime Minister Burnham’s backing reflects the growing urgency felt across Gloucestershire to enhance infrastructure, support housing development, and boost local economies.