March 2025
J 9 AND 10 Funding Boost. Council leaders from Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Borough have agreed to allocate £13,763,280 from developments to help fund important transport schemes in Gloucestershire.
Report |
January 2025
Newsletter #37 Published Newsletter Tab |
January 2025
TAAG has now received permission to share Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL) Board's feedback to the A46 M5 Engagement in late 2024.
It is noteworthy that CNL's suggestion of a revised Route B would be beneficial to both them and us, who border the A435.
The full detailed report can be found on our Reports Tab
Atkins confirmed timeline:
"A report on public engagement will be published in Spring 2025.
The programme for the next stage of scheme development, ‘GCC Option Selection and Shortlisting’ will take around 3 years to complete. This will consist of further option shortlisting from 6 to 2 or 3 options, followed by a more detailed appraisal of the remaining options.
If possible, the stage will be broken down into phases and we will share the outcome of the next round of option shortlisting prior to commencing more detailed analysis. We currently anticipate that this will take about 18 months to complete.
DfT advised that schemes originally being considered as part of the pipeline of schemes for potential inclusion in the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) between 2025 and 2030 will continue to be developed, but only for consideration for inclusion in RIS4 (beyond 2030).
The 2031 Open for Traffic date was based on RIS3 delivery, the 2034 Open to Traffic date is based on RIS4 delivery".
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December 2024
TAAG Newsletter #36 Published 01/12/24. Newsletter Tab |
November
30/11/2024 - TAAG Engagement Submission to GCC along with Gerald Kells Report added to Reports Tab
TAAG Newsletter #35 Published 22/11/24. Newsletter Tab
TAAG Engagement Submission is available for review and comments. Available on the Reports TAB. Feedback can be submitted by email admin@taagroup.co.uk
Gloucestershire County Council M5 J9 & A46 Transport Scheme
Public Engagement on Route Options to redirect the A46
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) have recently published route options for changes to the A46 that will significantly affect our villages. 1 of the options (Option A) proposes bringing the A46 down the A435 from Teddington Hands roundabout to seven-bends, which will have a significant detrimental effect on us.
They are running a public engagement exercise which started on 7th October and runs until 2nd December.
Full details, including the route options, maps, consultation document, brochure etc. can be found on the GCC website.
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/junction-9
TAAG are focussing our efforts on the eastern section route options A and B which run from the Teddington Hands junction down to a new roundabout at the 7 bends junction, as these have a far greater impact on us than Options 1,2 and 3.
It has become abundantly clear from the completed residents’ questionnaires and TAAG’s drop-in event in the village hall, that the consensus of both Teddington & Alstone residents, is that Route A would have a far greater impact on our villages than Route B and that Route A is totally unacceptable and should be taken off the table completely.
The key reasons are;
• Impact of increased noise on the Cotswold Natural Landscape
• Incursions into the Cotswold National Landscape due to widening of
the A435 and impact on hedgerows and trees adversely affecting biodiversity
• Safety issues accessing Teddington and Alstone villages
• Safety issues mixing fast-moving strategic traffic with slow-moving local traffic
• Huge diversions and disruption during the build
• No contingency in the event of an incident on the A435 for diverting traffic
• Increased traffic on our quiet village lanes as traffic tries to avoid a busy junction on the A435
• Increased noise, light and air pollution for residents to the east of the A435
• Access to village facilities at Teddington Hands roundabout severed.
It is really important that as many residents as possible complete the Public Engagement survey. Although this isn’t a vote, we believe that a significantly high response selecting Option B as the preferred Eastern section route and explaining why Option A is totally unacceptable, cannot be ignored.
This could be our last chance to influence where the road goes and make sure Option A is taken off the table for good.
The survey for your completion can be found here;
https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/junction-9/surveys/survey-m5-junction-9
The deadline for submitting your preference in their survey is Monday 2nd December, so don’t delay.
Thank you.
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November 2024
15/11/24 Atkins have now answered our second tranche of questions, some of which have been answered, some partially, others not at all. Disappointing to say the least.
Please note, Links to GCC and TBC from our Website may not work, this is due to problems with their websites, not ours.
Newsletter #34 Published 8/11/24. Available on Newsletters Tab.
TAAG have added a new page to our website,'Questions and Answers' where you will find questions that we have asked of the Planners and Gloucestershire County Council. These will be updated on a regular basis as receive answers.
The TAAG & Parish Council drop-in event had an excellent turnout, many thanks to all.
The Online Questionnaire is now completed.
Feedback on both will be included in our upcoming Newsletter. |
October 2024 Update
Added Village Hall Flyer
Added TAAGs version of Options A and B Pros and Cons Consultation and Engagement Page
Questionnaire Closed Feedback will be in our upcoming Newsletter.
Our last newsletter #33 mentioned that, to capture residents’ views and concerns about the route options, TAAG are doing our own questionnaire.
The results will be incorporated into the TAAG submission to Gloucestershire County Council to add weight to the arguments and help show the strength of feeling in our villages.
We would really appreciate you finding the time to complete our questionnaire. It’s only a short and shouldn’t take long to complete.
We’ve set a deadline of Monday 4th November, 12pm.
This is after the Drop-In Event in the village hall which we would remind you is on Friday 1st November from 3.00 – 7.00pm. This is so you can come along and, if needed, get any questions answered about the route options before completing the questionnaire.
Please click here to our Questionnaire
TAAG Newsletter #33 Published 22/10/24 Link
GCC have agreed to a Face to Face meeting with TAAG to discuss all aspects of the proposed changes to the A46. Week Commencing 28/10/2024.
On related news, Ashchurch Parish Council produced a report on the progress of the planned Garden Communities that residents may find interesting. Report can be found on the Reports Tab.
7/10/2024 13.00 Public Engagement has been launched with details on GCCs website Have your say Gloucestershire engagement - M5 J9 A46
The documents can also be found on our site. We will also include our opinions once we have had a chance to review the documentation in full.
Newsletter #32 'The Engagement ' Published 8/10/24 with all the latest and details of the Routes Consultation. Newsletter Tab
Cameron Thomas MP, has taken up our offer to get together to discuss all aspects of the changes to the A46. In the meantime, he has confirmed that has given GCC his support for their plans for the J9A bypass. |
September 2024
29/9/2024
FAQs and updated GCC M5 J9 A46 webpage available via Public Engagement on Route Options Tab
Gloucestershire County Council Press Release 27/9/2024
Have your say on potential route options for M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme.
Gloucestershire County Council is running a public engagement exercise from Monday 7 October – Monday 2 December 2024 on potential route options for the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme.
We should expect:
Route Corridor Options Questionnaire
Maps Ordinance and Aerial
Route Corridor Options Brochure.
Full details in our updated Newsletter. Newsletter Tab
TAAG submitted several questions to the September County Council Meeting, one of the answers contained the following interesting information. GCC are going to carry out a public engagement exercise from October 7th for 8 weeks, to share shortlisted route options (rumoured to be 3) and seek the views of stakeholders on them.
Full details can be found on the Reports TAB
TAAG NEWSLETTER #31 SEPTEMBER 2024. Published 19/9/24 can now be found under the Reports Newsletters Tab
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August 2024
TAAG have written to our new MP, Cameron Thomas, briefing him on our role. As well as seeking a meeting with him to discuss further the potential changes to the A46.
Full update as to the outcome soon. |
June 2024
A local resident submitted Freedom of Information request to GCC as to the costs to date and ongoing of the A46 changes. Large numbers are involved.
Reports Tab |
May 2024
Latest Newsletter # 30 Published with details of the recent media and GCC Cabinet events included. Newsletter Tab Link
A46 M5 J9
TAAG interview as part of a report by BBC Political Reporter Edward Rowe as to the possible changes to the A46 M5 J9. Report
More money approved for planning changes to the A46 M5 J9 or 9A BBC Radio Gloucestershire report
GCC Cabinet Meeting Due 15/5/24 is due to request yet more money for development costs. An extract from the Agenda can be found on the reports page.
M5 Junction 9 and A46 Transport Scheme Timeline has also been updated, to the right, more uncertainty.
Update 15th May 2024
Cabinet approved the proposal without any questions or debate.
Cllr. Gray proposal can be viewed online item 6 Link |
March 2024
GCC update on the potential changes to the A46 and M5 Junction 9.
“Spring 2024 update
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) has been considering undertaking a non-statutory public consultation for the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme. We have been reviewing the shortlist of scheme options and undertaken additional analysis to inform decision making. This work is ongoing. A non-statutory public consultation is now unlikely to take place until after a general election, which is expected later this year.” |
December 2023
Newsletter #29 Now available |
November 2023
Laurence Robertson MP announcement on his website 1st November 2023
'Pleased to receive notification from the Roads Minister and the County Council that possible proposals to reduce J9 to a two-way junction are being dropped, and that the Minister is asking that options are to be considered to increase the capacity of the A46. Along with Cllr Vernon Smith, this is what I’ve been campaigning on for over a year and I held a debate in Parliament (9th May) on the issue. Already the A46 is congested and traffic will get worse as more development takes place. I’ll keep working on this with the County Council, National Highways and the government.' Link |
November 2023
Laurence Robertson MP announcement on his website 1st November 2023
'Pleased to receive notification from the Roads Minister and the County Council that possible proposals to reduce J9 to a two-way junction are being dropped, and that the Minister is asking that options are to be considered to increase the capacity of the A46. Along with Cllr Vernon Smith, this is what I’ve been campaigning on for over a year and I held a debate in Parliament (9th May) on the issue. Already the A46 is congested and traffic will get worse as more development takes place. I’ll keep working on this with the County Council, National Highways and the government.' Link |
August 2023
TAAG NEWSLETTER #28 August 2023 Published.
TAAG were recently contacted by Teddington & Alstone Parish Council (TAPC) to advise that they had been invited to provide feedback to the latest review of the strategic road network route by National Highways (NH). The overview report for the South Midlands has included our local stretch of the A46 (from J9 M5 up to Evesham) as one of their priority areas for further investigation.
TAAG compiled the report, which has been adopted by the Parish Council and has been submitted to National Highways.
Reports Tab
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June 2023 Update
Extract from Laurence Robertson MP Latest Newsletter which appears very critical of the M5 junction 9 plans.
"Good afternoon,
Summer is back, and I hope that you are coping well with the heat! As always, I remain very busy in both the constituency and Westminster, and have highlighted several of the many issues I am pursuing below.
The A46 and Junction 9
Traffic congestion in this area has been increasing due to extra housing and business activity. We also now have the excellent garden centre, which will be supplemented by a retail outlet centre, right next to J9. And there was talk of developing a Garden Town in the area. So traffic is increasing and will continue to do so.
The County Council, working with National Highways, have been looking at the problem and came up with four proposals to ease the congestion.
Unfortunately, none of the options being proposed involved increasing the capacity of the A46. All of the options proposed by-passes, which would help with some of the traffic, but would not alleviate the congestion being caused by local traffic. And worse, the Grey Route option proposes to reduce J9 to a two-way junction.
I found the Grey Route proposal completely unacceptable, and I regret the lack of a proposal for increasing the capacity of the A46. So I have held many meetings with the County Council, National Highways and Ministers to discuss this issue. And recently I held my own debate in Parliament to discuss it, the full transcript of which can be found here.
It is unlikely that money will be available for this road scheme in the near future. But I am continuing to work on it to try to ensure that we have better proposals made which will reduce congestion caused by local traffic, as well as that traffic which is passing through.
When I originally supported the Garden Town idea I did so on the understanding that, first, the Council would ensure that it did not increase flood risk, and, secondly, that the A46 would be improved. The new Council in Tewkesbury is reconsidering the situation, but I stand by what I originally said."
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May 2023
Written questions with answers have been provided for the GCC Council Meeting 24/5/23.
TAAG will review and post our feedback. Reports Tab.
TAAG Newsletter #27 Published. Newsletter TAB
Laurence Robertson MP – Westminster Hall debate on the changes to the A46
Laurence Robertson’s PA contacted TAAG to let us know that he had tabled a Westminster Hall debate on the changes to the A46. All parliamentary debates are recorded and transcripts provided, and we have provided a link to the video clip and transcript on the Reports Tab. Further details to follow in our upcoming Newsletter.
The recent election results are in, Cllr. Mel Gore was reelected along with a new councillor, Chris Coleman, an independent. TAAG have already asked him for a meeting, to which he has agreed to come and hear Taag's concerns.
Correction to Newsletter #26 – ‘Bridge to Nowhere’
We mentioned that the legal bill on Tewkesbury Borough Council (TBC) against Ashchurch Parish Council was, £200K, apologies.
It is estimated that the final cost to the Council will be £166,000. Interestingly, the design and specification work undertaken by Atkins and the costs incurred within the project and attributed to this work, total £702,904. Information obtained from TBC via 'Freedom of Information' request. |
February 2023
TAAG Newsletter #26 published and can be found on the Newsletter Tab
Laurence Robertson, MP
You will recall from our December newsletter that Laurence had invited our feedback on the M5 J9 bypass. Specifically: “Can an environmentally friendly way be found to by-pass J9 for those who do not need to access that junction; and secondly, how can the capacity of the A46 and J9 be increased?”
Tricky question, but TAAG's response Reports Tab
Questions to GCC Council – Meeting 15th February 2023
Questions submitted on behalf of Teddington & Alstone A46 Advisory Group (TAAG) in respect of the M5 J9 & A46 Transport Scheme. Cllr. David Gray has responded, but unfortunately we didn't get any useful answers to our questions. However, it seems we have learnt that the scheme was not put out for tender and that Atkins are their 'in-house' consultants on a multi-year contract.
Full details Reports Tab |
January 2023
Traffic Monitoring on the A435
In our December newsletter, we referred to the traffic monitoring that had taken place at the end of September. We have now seen the detailed outputs. These are or analysis can be found on the Reports Tab
GCC Decarbonisation Survey
We have been made aware of a survey being conducted by Gloucestershire County Council to take feedback on reducing transport emissions. This is running to 28th February and can be accessed using the following link.
The more that respond the better, and hopefully the council will take greater notice of the issues that threaten us and future generation.
GCC Survey |
December 2022
Newsletter #25 Published Link |
November 2022
Teddington and Alstone Villages’ key concerns as to the proposed changes to the route of the A46 to the M5 can now be found on the Reports Tab.
Over the years, TAAG have submitted questions to Gloucestershire County Council's Council Meetings. Some questions are answered in full, others partially and some not at all. We will continue to submit probing questions of council and when necessary submit supplementary questions online or in person at Shire Hall.
We will now be highlighting the relevant questions here on our website for your information.
This month, Councillor Cody submitted a range of question in relation to the A46.
Her questions and the answers received can be found on the Reports Tab
Including details as to the staggering costs to date.
September 2022 GCC Council Meeting included questions from TAAG and the answers received. Details on the Reports Tab.
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October 2022
Added new page, Useful Links to Legislation, Planning Inspectorate etc. Under the Consultation Tab
Useful Links to Legislation etc.
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September 2022 Update
A46 Consultation Postponed
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) have now officially communicated about the postponement of the anticipated Public Consultation which was due to start this month. We have provided their email below for your information, which states that the consultation is now unlikely to happen until late 2023 at the earliest.
They have also updated their dedicated website, which reflects this change but provides no further clarification of the overall scheme programme.
If we find out any further information, we will include it in our next newsletter along with our response to the delay.
Email received by TAAG 24/9/2022
Dear Sir/Madam,
You may be aware that Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) was planning to undertake a non-statutory public consultation for the M5 Junction 9 & A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme this autumn.
As part of good practice in scheme development external advice was sought, which highlighted that further work should be undertaken before going out to public consultation. Following this external advice, we have now decided to undertake this additional work, to further review and shortlist scheme options. This work will be carried out with National Highways’ support. The non-statutory public consultation will now take place once the additional analysis has been completed, which could take 9 months, with public consultation taking place in late 2023 at the earliest (dates tbc).
We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the scheme including confirmation of the revised public consultation dates on our dedicated scheme webpage: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/j9
You can also email the project team at M5Junction9@atkinsglobal.com with any queries you may have.
Yours faithfully,
Amanda Lawson-Smith
Transport Planning Team Manager
Gloucestershire County Council |
August 2023
Published Teddington and Alstone A46 Advisory Group Newsletter #24 which includes details of the recent Public Meeting and the next steps in the process.
Minutes from this meeting have been shared with attendees and can now be viewed by everyone along with TAAG's follow-up letter to David Gray Reports Tab
Newsletter is available on the Newsletters Tab
Reminder – Under the External Links Tab you will find a full list of those involved in the planning process. |
July 2022
Public Meeting held Tuesday 19th July 2022
Thank you to everyone who braved the exceptionally hot weather to attend the public meeting on Tuesday 19th. It was a really good turnout and thanks to the quality of the questions raised and the subsequent debates, clearly demonstrated to our Councillors the strength of feeling in the villages. We hope you thought it was a worthwhile event.
We are aware that not everyone had a chance to speak in the limited time we had. So, as agreed at the end of the meeting, we are asking for any remaining questions or concerns you may have, to be raised using either the contact tab or speaking to any member of the TAAG Team.
You may recall that David Gray asked us to send him a summary of our concerns. We will of course do this when we submit our follow-up questions. It is worth mentioning though, that we have sent summary reports outlining our concerns to all of the key stakeholders previously, so all parties know what we think.
Please can you let us have any further thoughts by close of play next Tuesday 26th July.
Contact Us
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July 2022
M5 Junction 9 A46 Transport Scheme GG 142
Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding Assessment
As part of the planning process, the designers have to consult on walking, cycling and horse riding facilities in the areas of the proposed build.
TAAG have competed it review of the facilities in our area and submitted feedback.
The two documents can be found on the Public Consultation Prior to Route Options page.
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June 2022
Published Teddington and Alstone A46 Advisory Group Newsletter #23 which includes an invitation to a Public Meeting.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th July in Teddington Village Hall, 6pm to 7pm. This precedes but is unrelated to the separate quarterly Parish Council meeting afterwards.
Newsletter is available Newsletters Tab
Correction to Newsletter
Vernon Smith is our Gloucestershire County Councillor |
May 2022
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey we sent out. We received 81 responses with the vast majority indicating they were 'concerned' or 'very concerned' with many of the issues raised. There is also support for a public meeting (59 Yes, 21 Don't Know and 1 No). We will check with the Teddington & Alstone Parish Council for their views and then look at how we can organise a meeting as soon as practicably possible. Further details to be shared in due course. |
April 2022
In our latest Newsletter #22, which you should have received last week, we mentioned that we intended to hold a survey to collect residents’ feedback on the assumption that the A435 will be used as part of the new A46 Ashchurch bypass.
The survey has now been set-up and can be found below. Please do take the time to complete it as this will enable us to know the level and strength of opinion of residents. We will then consider inviting local councillors and other key people to a public meeting to share their views and hear your concerns.
The deadline for completing the survey is the Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022 at 12:00 Midday.
Survey Now Closed - many thanks for all the excellent feedback
Thank you.
TAAG have recently made 'Freedom of Information' Requests of Gloucestershire County Council, Western Gateway and National Highways. Details of which and responses, received to date, can be found under the Reports Tab.
Newsletter # 22 Published 13th April 2022. Newsletters Tab
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March 2022
M5 Junction 9 and A46 Transport Scheme Timeline
Revised timeframe confirmed by Cllr. David Gray at the GCC County Council Meeting, 23/3/2022 Details to the Right |
December 2021
Published end of year Newsletter #21
Copy can be found under the Newsletter and Subscribe tab |
November 2021
On Monday 29th November, Tewkesbury Town Council adopted a report submitted by Cllr. Vernon Smith. This was based on the feedback received from the Tewkesbury 2030 Event held on Saturday 18th September 2021 at Watson Hall. When many visitors supported his A46 Junction 10 route, as well as disapproving of any use of the A435 as part of said route. Ideally, any new route would be to the west of the Teddington Hands Roundabout and joining the exiting A46.
The full report can be found Report Link
M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme -
On Wednesday 8 December 2021, GCC will be launching their statutory public consultation for their proposed M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The consultation will run until Tuesday 15 February 2022.
The GCC online feedback survey will be found
GCC J10 Feedback Survey
National Highways are developing their route strategies to inform their 'Roads Infrastructure Strategy' (RIS3), we are currently in RIS2. TAAG has provided its views, particularly on the possibility of realigning the A46 to J7 or J8 of M5.
TAAG's submission can be found Report Link
New Tewkesbury Garden Town Concept Plan
The 'Evolved Tewkesbury Concept Plan' has recently been presented to TBC Executive committee. A copy of their latest public document “Evolution of the Concept Plan” This includes the overall plan drawing we shared in our August newsletter.
Report Link
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October 2021
TAAG have just become aware that Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) have once again postponed the public consultation on the M5 J9 & A46 Ashchurch Transport Scheme route options which was due to happen in the Summer, until 2022. See their dedicated website;
GCC A46 M5 Webpage
You will see that they have removed the previous timeline, stating “a more detailed timeline for the next steps of scheme development and construction will be provided when possible.”
TAAG have of course asked GCC/Atkins for the reasons for this delay and received the following response, “This is because we are working through the technical work and programme for the scheme with National Highways (previously Highways England).”
We will try to find out more information about the reasons, the new timeline and what this means for the future of the scheme. Any further clarification we get, we will of course share with you in the next newsletter.
Meanwhile, thank you to everybody who has responded to our request for feedback following Cllr. Vernon Smith's Tewkesbury 2030 Exhibition. We are currently analysing the feedback and will report back in the next newsletter.”
As always, if you have any concerns as to the future of the A46, please do not hesitate to contact us via the 'contacts' page on the website. |
September 2021
Newsletter #20 added to the Reports Newsletters Subscribe tab.
Added new menu item to website, Consultation that includes:
Background to Planning
Public Consultation on Route Options
Preferred Route Announcement
Submit Outline Business Case (OBC) to DfT
Public consultation on preferred route
Submit planning application
Submit Final Business Case (FBC) to DfT
Glossary – A guide to common planning terms and acronyms.
Tewkesbury 2030 Exhibition - Saturday 18th September
Many thanks to those who attended the event and visited us on our stand. Lots of very interesting conversations and worries from many as to what will happen to the A46 and possibly to the A38 to the west of the M5.
Meanwhile, thank you to everybody who has responded to our request for feedback following Cllr. Vernon Smith's Tewkesbury 2030 Exhibition. We are currently analysing the feedback and will report back in the next newsletter.
Vernon Smith's Business Case A46 M5 J 10
Business Case
TAAG Presentation
Slides
Keep watching our website for the latest information, and if you have not already signed up for our newsletter, please do.
Two Documents added to the reports tab.
1. TAAG have now added details as to a proposed land sale to the west of Teddington and Alstone, that could well result in a lot more houses being built and ultimately even more traffic.
2. A flood report from 2008 detailing all the issues in and around Tewkesbury that could have a bearing on any road building in the area.
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August 2021
TAAG NEWSLETTER #19 August 2021 Published
TAAG Commissioned New Report from Gerald Kells (Campaign & Policy Advisor for Transport).
All Added to Reports and Newsletters Tab |
July 2021
TAAG NEWSLETTER #18
UK Government Decarbonisation Plan
TAAG Communication with the A46 Partnership
Added to Reports and Newsletters Tab |
June 2021
Tewkesbury Garden Town Progress Report 2021 added to reports tab.
CPRE report - Challenging the road-building consensus and learning from previous road schemes for a better future. Added to reports tab.
CPRE recently submitted a report to Midlands Connect in response to a request for feedback on their ongoing transport strategy. Added to reports tab.
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May 2021
TAAG NEWSLETTER 17 (Addendum)
Tewkesbury East Local Elections.
Detailing responses, or lack of, to the questions posed by TAAG to their views on the changes to the A46.
Added Newsletters Reports Tab. |
April 2021
Newsletter #17
It’s only a few weeks since TAAG's last newsletter but, as you may have seen, the recent mail drop from Cllr Vernon Smith included his thoughts on the M5/J9 A46 Business Case. As this provides some details on a potential route, it might be helpful to summarise our interpretation and how this aligns with our position.
Full Details Located on the Newsletters Reports Tab.
Stop Press 23/04/21
In the interests of maintaining political neutrality, we have contacted each of the other three candidates standing in the local parish election on May 6th to ask for their views on the new bypass.
Email sent 27/3/21 and chased 22/4/21. To date, we have not heard from Chris Coleman (Liberal Democrat) or Zoe Darlington (Labour).
We received the following general transport comment on behalf of Jan Millett (Green Party):
“The Green position is to improve travel and public transport opportunities whilst maintaining existing networks for all users which we feel should be prioritised over any new roads. We follow Transport Action Network very closely too and tend to agree with their position.”
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March 2021
Newsletter #16
While there has been little news in the last three months, there are a few matters to update you on. TAAG also thought it would be useful to provide a summary on where we currently are.
Located on the Newsletters Reports Tab.
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February 2021
Western Gateway have approved and published the final version of their Strategic Transport Plan.
Located on the Newsletters Reports Tab. |
December 2020
TAAG Newsletter #15 December 2020, a 'comprehensive update' published and is available on the Newsletters and Reports Tab.
Transport Action Network have just launched another Legal Action against the use of the “National Policy Statement for National Networks”, adopted in 2014 and still in use. Details can be found on the External Links Campaign Bodies Tab.
Western Gateway Published the final draft of their Strategic Transport Plan, it can be found on the Newsletters Reports Tab. The Document is under review by TAAG and feedback will be provided soon.
TAAG have just received this communication from Gloucestershire County Council via our Parish Council. The public consultation on the route options we were expecting to happen early next year, has been postponed until Summer 2021.
This is really frustrating, although we suspected it could happen.
We had planned to get a newsletter out before Christmas which we will still do. We'll include any clarification or additional information we can glean about the reasons for this delay.
Statement.
"In January 2020, Gloucestershire County Council applied to the Department for Transport’s Large Local Majors fund to finance the proposed M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme. Since then, we have been moving forward with our business case development work: a key element of this process is the non-statutory route options consultation that was scheduled for January 2021.
Both the M5 and the A46 through Ashchurch are on the national Strategic Road Network and are managed by Highways England, so we need to work closely with Highways England with any plans that we have for these roads. However, Highways England have indicated that they need more time to consider the route option proposals in detail before we go out to public consultation.
Unfortunately, the earliest that Highways England will be able to give us their views is in the new year and with the local elections in May and the corresponding pre-election period which begins in March, it will not now be possible to hold the consultation, planned for January, before summer next year.
The county council recognises the importance of the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme to the county’s future development and prosperity and we will continue to provide updates on the progression of this scheme. Please visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/J9 for the latest information."
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November 2020
National Infrastructure Strategy Presented to Parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer by Command of Her Majesty 25th November 2020. Can be found on the Newsletters Reports Tab.
Midlands Connect's 20-year improvement plan for the A46 Published and can be found on the Newsletters Reports Tab.
RED KITES
Do you have any photos of the red kites seen flying over our villages this year? TAAG have secured the help of the Gloucestershire Raptor Monitoring Group (GRMG) to try to find evidence of the kites breeding in this area. Although they are not endangered, their nests are protected and if we can find evidence, we may be able to use that evidence to challenge any proposed route. The GRMG have asked us to provide any photographs we have, particularly from the Summer months as that is when juveniles would be seen flying.
Could you please send any photographs you may have and are happy to share with GRMG to jan.catbells@gmail.com with a date and location (Grid reference if possible) of when and where the photograph was taken.
Thank you.
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October 2020
Gloucestershire County Council has recently published their design options for the M5 J10 Improvement Scheme for public consultation. Full details can be found on the Newsletters Reports Subscribe Tab
The consultation closes on 25 November 2020.
Added details of the planning process that the M5 J9 and A46 changes must follow to the Planners section of the External Links Tab.
Following our virtual meeting with Cllr. Mel Gore, she has offered to organise a meeting (including the Parish Council) with the Tewkesbury Garden Town Team for an update on the Masterplan. TAAG will also want to discuss with them, their views on the nature and route of the new road."
Letters and copy of the TAAG Teddington & Alstone Villages Joint Submission sent to the following seeking support in our campaign to ‘To prevent any expansion or realignment of the A46 which would have a detrimental effect on our villages and residents’.
Laurence Robertson MP
Cllr. Vernon Smith
Cllr. Nigel Moor
Cllr. Cate Cody
Cllr. Mel Gore
Cllr. Jim Mason
Cllr. John Cordell
Cllr Patrick Molyneux
John Mills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Cotswolds) |
August 2020
Added
Newsletter #14 August 2020 Teddington & Alstone Villages Submission to VS and GCC
Teddington & Alstone Villages - Submission To GCC Highways
M5 Junction 9 & A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme Proposal Final 26/08/2020
Newsletter #13 August 2020 - Newsletter from the Joint Working Party of members of TAAG and the Parish Council GCC on the Highways M5 Junction 9 & A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme Proposal
Newsletter #12 August 2020 – TAAG Future Strategy Survey Results Published
Details and Links are on the Newsletters and Reports Tab.
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July 2020
Latest News from Gloucestershire Highways added to the July 2020 section.
Changes will and are happening!
Added TAAG Feedback to Western Gateway on their Draft Strategic Transport Plan.
Added Transport Action Network's Feedback on Western Gateway Strategic Transport Plan.
Published Newsletter #11 and Newsletter Update
Details and Links are on the Newsletters and Reports Tab. |
June 2020
Western Gateway published their Draft Strategic Transport Plan 2020-2025. Interesting to note that they have included reference to changes they may have to make based on the current pandemic and the potential changes in demand. WG are currently seeking feedback from stakeholders, businesses, residents, and communities on the draft Plan.
Climate Change Committee submitted their 2020 Report to Parliament.
Added to Newsletters Reports Tab. |
May 2020
Added Newsletter #10 Interim Update to Newsletters and Reports Tab
Added details to External Links Section of 'Transport Action Network'. They are seeking to take the Government to court over the “largest ever” roads programme. The link to crowdfunding to support this action is also included.
Transport ActionNetwork's 'Pre Action Protocol Letter For Judicial Review' has been added to the Newsletters & Reports Tab.
Added House of Commons Briefing Paper on RIS2 to Newsletters & Reports Tab
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April 2020
Several meeting have been cancelled with reports/publications also being delayed. All sources are still being reviewed on a regular basis for updates.
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March 2020
Newsletter #9 Spring Budget & RIS2 Implications added to Newsletters and Reports Tab
Added Highways England Road Investment Strategy 2 2020-2025 to Reports Tab
Added March 2020 Budget in Reference to the A46 to Reports Tab
Newsletter #8 Local Transport Plan added to Newsletters and Reports Tab
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February 2020
Updated Western Gateway link to dedicated website.
Added Midland Connect Alternative Futures Study January 2020 to Reports Tab.
Newsletter #7 Published and can be found on the Newsletters and Reports Tab.
TAAG has updated our website to industry standards to provide a secure Internet, even though we do not handle sensitive information via our site. When visiting our site you may notice that the beginning of the web address has changed from http to https, thereby encrypting any communication between your computer/mobile and our site.
Cllr Vernon Smith report to Teddington and Alstone Parish Council added to reports section.
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January 2020
Added GCC Local Transport Plan and consultation to reports section.
Two independent documents added to reports section as to how Tewkesbury performs in terms of climate change.
A46 Renewable Energy Innovation 'revised date letter' added to reports section.
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November 2019
Formal Go-ahead to Western Gateway given Link
TAAG responded to Tewkesbury Borough Plan Pre-Submission Consultation, it can be found on the Newsletters and Reports page.
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October 2019
The independent report produced by Gerald Kells is now finished along with the TAAG summary and is available on our reports page.
Newsletter #6 Published and can be found on the Newsletters and Reports Tab tab
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August 2019
Interim Update added detailing the brief for commissioning Gerald Kells to produce a report representing a robust independent summary of arguments and challenges from the specific perspective of Teddington & Alstone
Added external link to Landscapes for Life AONB
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July 2019
Western Gateway published brief details as to the changes proposed for M5 J9 to the Teddington Hands roundabout, along with estimated costs, details can be found on their website Western Gateway
Newsletter #5 added to the Newsletters and Reports page.
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June 2019
Report from Midlands Connect in reference to funding added to the Newsletters and Reports page.
Added external link to Western Gateway.
Atkins report added to the Newsletters and Reports page.
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February 2019
TAAG members met with representatives of Midland Connect to discuss the possible implications for us as to any changes in Gloucestershire, limited information available but details are available in Newsletter #4.
Members of our group met with representatives of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Gloucestershire Branch). We provided detailed feedback on our concerns and they will look to support us in anyway they can. Further details to follow.
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January 2019
The Teddington and Alstone A46 Advisory Group met with Laurence Robertson, Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury. The group expressed our concerns as to the possible redevelopment of the A46 and the possible consequences on our villages. Discussions proved productive, Mr Robertson fully understood the concerns and has promised to look into the issues raised and provide us with feedback in the near future.
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