Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Transport Infrastructure: Cullompton

19 December 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Foord raised concerns about transport infrastructure: cullompton in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP for Honiton and Sidmouth called for a relief road and railway station in Cullompton to address traffic congestion and support housing developments.
  • Richard Foord highlighted that 37,000 daily commuters pass through Cullompton, impacting the local economy and daily commutes.
  • The Minister for Transport, Nigel Evans, discussed various transport infrastructure investments in Devon, including rail service improvements and a 3.5 million investment for a new accessible station at Marsh Barton.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

The MP for Honiton and Sidmouth called on the Government to deliver a relief road and railway station for Cullompton, highlighting years of consultation fatigue among residents. He detailed traffic congestion issues affecting daily commutes and economic activities in the town, citing examples such as 37,000 daily commuters through Cullompton towards Exeter. Richard Foord emphasised the need for infrastructure to support housing developments, including a north-west urban extension and garden village plans adding over 5,000 new houses. He stressed that without proper road upgrades, these developments will exacerbate traffic congestion and air pollution. The MP also highlighted health concerns related to poor air quality and called for action on the relief road project estimated at £35 million, acknowledging partial funding from Homes England, as well as improvements to junction 28 costing approximately £34 million.

Other contributors (1)
  • Simon Jupp Con East Devon

    The MP for East Devon corrected the mention of his constituency and clarified that Devon received nearly £40 million in levelling-up funding, contrary to the speaker's claims.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

As Minister for Transport, Nigel Evans responded by highlighting significant transport infrastructure investments across Devon, including road upgrades, rail services improvement, bus fare caps and active travel initiatives. He noted specific projects such as the Dartmoor line reopening with hourly services between Okehampton and Exeter since 2021, a £3.5 million investment for a new accessible station at Marsh Barton in Devon, and over £150 million invested to enhance rail resilience through Dawlish. Evans addressed the Cullompton relief road project, acknowledging past investments and noting that while Homes England has secured £900,000 for the development of a strategic outline business case, the local council needs to make a strong case for infrastructure funding. Regarding the railway station, he confirmed a commitment of £5 million from Network North to reopen Cullompton station with potential opening in 2025. Evans concluded by reassessing the Government's mission to level up transport infrastructure and unlock growth across the UK.

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