A strong appeal has been made to Prime Minister Andy Burnham to secure essential funding for a major upgrade of the M5 junction in Gloucestershire.
Highways officials have been developing plans for a new Junction 9a, located south of Tewkesbury, alongside a re-routing of a section of the A46 between the M5 and Teddington Hands roundabout.
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) regards this “traffic-busting” project as critical to resolving persistent congestion issues by delivering necessary infrastructure that accommodates both current and future demands.
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Estimated to cost between £740 million and £930 million as of 2024, the scheme would unlock the development of up to 25,000 homes within 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 directly to the new Labour Prime Minister during a recent cabinet meeting.
“Our Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of listening to local communities and acting on their needs,” Cllr Tooke stated. “Gloucestershire County Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, and Gloucester City Council have all made it clear they support Junction 9a and the Ashchurch bypass. Andy Burnham, please listen and act.”
He added, “You’ve also said you want more housing and improved infrastructure. We believe these must go hand in hand. Words are easy, but infrastructure requires significant funding — which we desperately need. It’s time to make a decision so we know where we stand. Please stop keeping us waiting. It’s not fair.”
Tooke emphasized the investment’s importance in unlocking land for housing and employment, focusing on advanced manufacturing and defense industries. The project also strengthens a key transport route linking the Midlands and the South West.
Residents have long voiced their desire for a bypass to improve their quality of life, he noted.
Tooke also reflected on the financial stewardship of the project, mentioning that former Conservative administration under Reform councillor Vernon Smith invested £15 million on the scheme. Since his involvement, he has advocated careful spending and, when necessary, slowing the pace to ensure funds are used wisely.
He explained that council officers were instructed to cap additional spending on project works at £534,000 through September, pending a government decision.
“We have been uncomfortable with the ongoing delays caused by the government,” Cllr Tooke said. “We want to avoid unnecessary expenditure, but we cannot allow this project to stall. We hope to get government approval soon; if not, we will have to revisit the matter.”
The funding for the project is expected to come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, with gratitude expressed to the councils of Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, and Gloucester for their support.
Reform UK Group Leader Vernon Smith urged for action, highlighting years of dedicated work on the Junction 9 scheme. “Since May 2025, the Liberal Democrats have only offered dithering and delays. Residents in Tewkesbury and Ashchurch deserve effective relief from congestion and an administration they can trust to deliver it.”