Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

A14: Kettering

21 February 2023 · 2 other contributors · 3,218 words

Opened by Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

Responding minister: Richard Holden

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Philip Hollobone raised concerns about a14: kettering in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Junction 10A on the A14 at Kettering is crucial for the development of Hanwood Park, which will include 5,500 dwellings and 328 hectares of employment land.
  • The cost of Junction 10A is estimated at 40 million, with funding split between the Department for Transport and the developer.
  • Without government intervention, there is a risk that the development could halt in three years due to insufficient local funding.

Key requests to Government

I ask His Majesty's Government to include junction 10A in the DFT's road investment strategy 3 (RIS3) as a definite commitment. This would ensure detailed planning approval and procurement can commence with confidence, avoiding adverse impacts on local people's quality of life.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

Junction 10A on the A14 at Kettering is critical infrastructure necessary for delivering phase 2 of the Hanwood Park development, which includes an eventual 5,500 dwellings and employment land covering 328 hectares. The cost of Junction 10A is estimated at £40 million with financial contributions split between the Department for Transport (DFT) and the developer. Local land values will not allow funding without government intervention, making public funding necessary. Currently, just over 1,000 dwellings are occupied, and there is a significant risk that development could halt in three years without the new junction.

Other contributors (2)
  • Daniel Poulter Con Central Suffolk and North Ipswich

    Grateful for the Minister's confirmation that the Copdock interchange is being looked at. Emphasises investment in all aspects of the A14, including junction 10A, as vital for supporting British manufacturing, house building growth and the economy.

  • Yvonne Fovargue Lab Formby

    Mrs Yvonne Fovargue announced that Mr Philip Hollobone would move the motion and called the Minister to respond, noting there will be no opportunity for winding up.

Government Response

Richard Holden

I am delighted to respond to the important points raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering, who has consistently championed the proposed improvements on the A14. The A14 is a critical east-west artery in the UK's strategic road network, stretching 127 miles and connecting Felixstowe with Rugby and the Midlands. Since 2015, the government has invested heavily in this route, including £190 million for the Catthorpe interchange and £1.5 billion for the Cambridge-to-Huntingdon improvement scheme. The minister highlighted further improvements under consideration for the A14 near Ipswich as part of the road investment strategy (RIS). He also noted the importance of RIS2, which committed £24 billion between 2024 and 2025 for motorways and trunk networks in England. For Kettering specifically, the minister acknowledged the proposed A14 junction 10A scheme's role in supporting approximately 5,500 homes with associated infrastructure and job creation. He urged the hon. Member for Kettering to use his good offices to lobby the Treasury for increased investment into RIS3. The decisions on which pipeline schemes to progress will need to be taken in light of funding headroom available and are expected to be finalised when the strategy is published in 2024, with bids opening soon. Given the strong case for the A14 junction 10A scheme and its economic significance, it is likely to be looked at very favourably in future funding rounds.

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