M5 junction improvement ready to start in 2026 after councils agree £20m funding boost
Councils across Gloucestershire have allocated an additional ?20m towards major enhancements at an M5 junction close to Cheltenham, with construction potentially beginning next year. Cheltenham Borough Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucester City Council approved the substantial funding during a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee session on Thursday (September 25). The investment will support Gloucestershire County Council in delivering the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme, which aims to provide complete access for both northbound and southbound traffic.
The upgrades to junction 10 serving the A4019 north of Cheltenham are regarded as crucial for releasing development land for housing and employment whilst enhancing traffic circulation. The ambitious scheme seeks to establish a completely operational junction enabling motorway access in every direction, complemented by A4019 widening and a fresh link road connecting to west Cheltenham, reports Gloucestershire Live[1]. This additional ?20m supplements the ?10m previously pledged by the CIL Joint Committee in March 2025.
CIL represents a charge that local councils may levy on new developments to finance infrastructure including transport enhancements, parks, and additional public green areas. Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Chair of the CIL Joint Committee, said: "This funding for the planned improvements to the M5 at Junction 10 signals a strong commitment - to both our communities and the business sector - about our area's prospects. "We're pleased to have reached this important decision and support Gloucestershire County Council's scheme's funding.
"It marks an important step which will help to drive major growth, bringing new opportunities to both our area and the wider region. "With full access to the M5 in both directions, it will be much easier for everyone to travel, work, and thrive here. "These improvements will also tackle congestion in west-Cheltenham, shorten journey times and improve daily life for thousands of people; and help support better options for sustainable transport."
The M5 junction 10 scheme is being funded through the council's successful bid to UK Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), administered by Homes England.
The improved junction will provide access in all directions on and off the motorway. In turn, this will unlock housing and employment opportunities at sites proposed for development, including west and north-west Cheltenham.
(Image: GCC)Cllr Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: "This latest commitment is a crucial piece of the funding jigsaw in progressing one of Gloucestershire's most strategically important infrastructure schemes. "While a funding shortfall remains, the ringfenced CIL of ?20 million demonstrates to Government that strong regional support exists for the scheme.
It also brings us a step closer to delivering the infrastructure needed to support new housing, employment and investment in the area - but only if we also get the necessary Government support."
The money will be managed by the CIL Joint Committee and released to the county council as the project advances, opening up substantial prospects for jobs and new homes.
Initial work for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme began during the summer and will continue to ensure construction can commence in spring/summer 2026.
References
- ^ Gloucestershire Live (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)