Funding Agreement Signed and Work Already Underway Towards Cullompton’s Relief Road
Mid Devon District Council and Homes England have now signed a funding agreement, which means construction contracts can progress.
The relief road has been long awaited by local residents as it will ease town centre congestion, improve air quality and encourage a more vibrant town centre, while supporting the planned growth of the town.
The construction of the relief road is supported by Homes England and Devon County Council as it is essential to unlock 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.
While planning permission was secured for the road back in January 2021, work could not begin until the total funding for the multi-million pound infrastructure project was secured. Early enabling works for the road, however, have already begun, with the seeding of a replacement cricket square taking place in late 2024 and further land acquisitions now progressing.
And now the main body of construction work on the road can begin, with work due to start in 2026, and completion of the road due in 2028. Once finished, the relief road 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.
While the road represents a major investment, the relief road is just the beginning of a broader infrastructure overhaul for Cullompton. The Council is also progressing with plans to upgrade Junction 28 of the M5 to accommodate increased capacity and is committed to re-opening Cullompton Railway Station as part of a wider project to improve train services in the sub-region.
Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said:
“For many years our officers have been working hard behind the scenes on what at times must have felt like a monumental task, to gain planning permission, secure funding and garner wider support for this much need project. I am delighted this work has now come to fruition and the people who live in Cullompton, and the wider business community in the district, will all benefit from this multi-million pound investment. We have worked tirelessly with the Government and local partners who have all recognised the need for such investment in Cullompton to enable the town to thrive and to ensure access to the region is improved for everyone who wants to live, visit or do business in our area. We now look forward to working with partners and Government to build on this success and progress the next phase of plans which will focus on the upgrading of Junction 28, which can then unlock the full potential of Cullompton.”
Pauline Schaffer, Director Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, added: "Funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund will enable construction of the Cullompton relief road, easing town centre congestion and unlocking much needed new homes. This marks a significant milestone for the scheme, and an excellent example of how Homes England supports local authority partners like Mid Devon District Council to make delivery happen."