Plans to build thousands of new homes on the outskirts of Gloucester, specifically in Whaddon, continue to face significant opposition from highways authorities concerned about the capacity of the M5 motorway and local roads. The land south of Gloucester is identified in the Stroud District development plan, and Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd submitted an outline planning application in December 2023 proposing 2,550 homes, alongside a transport hub, community centre, and schools.
However, concerns about road infrastructure remain unresolved, with no agreement reached on necessary highway improvements. Former Conservative County Councillor Andrew Miller highlighted ongoing issues with traffic management on Stroud Road and at the St Barnabas Roundabout, submitting a formal question to Gloucestershire County Council on July 16.
County officials have reiterated their worries about funding shortfalls for motorway junction upgrades, particularly at M5 Junction 12, and emphasized that no off-site highway mitigation plans have been approved with developers. Miller called upon the council to reaffirm its opposition to the development on both funding inadequacies and the “potentially insurmountable” traffic challenges at St Barnabas Roundabout.
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Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire’s Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, pointed to official documents available on the Stroud District Council Examination Library website. These documents confirm the council’s concerns concerning the substantial funding required for two motorway junctions and the absence of a secure funding strategy. Additionally, a statement of common ground between the council and Taylor Wimpey clarifies that off-site highway mitigation schemes remain unresolved.
With no new evidence addressing these concerns, Gloucestershire County Council maintains its position, leaving the fate of the Taylor Wimpey development in the hands of Stroud District Council officers.