House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 March 2024 · 0 other contributors · 3,363 words
Opened by Anthony Mangnall Con Totnes
Responding minister: Guy Opperman
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about a379 slapton line in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Mr Mangnall asks the Government to support Devon County Council's increased budget for highway maintenance fund to produce necessary reports at a cost of about £130,000 to £200,000. He also inquires whether Natural England can be flexible with application processes so that defence measures can be introduced promptly.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Mr Mangnall is concerned about the fragility of the A379 Slapton line, which is vital for south Devon's economy and way of life. He notes that the area has faced significant storms in recent years, including Storm Emma which caused damage to over 500 metres of road. The local community depends on the road, and its loss would impact more than 30,000 people living in the area along with thousands of local jobs and the £40 million gross value added economy.
Government Response
Guy OppermanIt is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Ian Paisley. The minister acknowledges the importance and heritage of the Slapton Line, which played a crucial role in D-day preparations. He praised Anthony Mangnall for his efforts to address this issue and expressed sympathy towards those affected by ongoing concerns about coastal erosion and road safety. Guy Opperman highlighted the Slapton Line Partnership's November 2023 strategy document and noted that Devon County Council received £6.63 million in further funding after HS2 cancellation, allowing flexibility for additional projects beyond highways maintenance. The minister emphasized the need to find a compromise solution that provides security and peace of mind to local communities within the next two, five, and ten years. He reiterated the statutory position under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires each highways authority to assess repair needs based on local knowledge. The minister pointed out that Devon County Council receives significant funding—30% more than last year's budget—from the Department for Transport, totaling £68.88 million in 2023-24. This increase allows local authorities to prioritize maintenance according to community priorities while considering environmental and statutory bodies' views. Guy Opperman expressed hope that a practical policy can be developed with support from his office, facilitating discussions between the council, community, and MP for a long-term solution.