Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

A133-A120 Link Road

28 January 2025 · 4 other contributors · 3,305 words

Opened by Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

Responding minister: Rushanara Ali

EconomyHousingTransport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about a133-a120 link road in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Central Government must fund the 50 million to 60 million shortfall for phase 2 of the A133-A120 link road.
  • Essex county council has initiated phase 1 of the A133-A120 link road construction.
  • The Minister highlighted the allocation of 99.9 million for a high-speed bus route in Colchester from the housing infrastructure fund.

Key requests to Government

Will the Government please consider making up the shortfall? What is the benefit-cost ratio for just phase 1 and how could the Government possibly justify turning down funding to complete the A133-A120 link road?

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

Central Government must fund phase 2 of the new A133-A120 link road. The previous government committed to it but due to inflation and covid, there is a £50 million to £60 million shortfall in funding needed for its completion. Essex county council has started construction on phase 1, but without phase 2 being funded, the viability of the TCBGC housing development cannot be guaranteed.

Other contributors (4)
  • Marie Goldman Lab Nottingham North

    Asked if the hon. Member agrees that the 'infrastructure first' principle is crucial and urged the Government to consider funding schemes like the A133 widening scheme which affects 55,000 new homes in his constituency.

  • Nigel Farage Reform Clacton

    Supported the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex's concerns about building houses without knowing if a road will be completed and questioned whether Members level with constituents on uncontrolled mass migration contributing to population growth.

  • Pam Cox Lab Colchester

    Welcomed the start of phase 1 but urged for speeding up phase 2 by creating a deal with partners, including the Government. Invited the Minister to visit the project.

  • Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Bow

    Acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue with local MPs, expressed commitment to working closely on planning issues, and emphasised the Government's determination to support the development.

Government Response

Rushanara Ali

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Acknowledged the hon. Member's concerns about infrastructure funding for the Tendring Colchester Borders garden community project, highlighting that £99.9 million from the housing infrastructure fund is being used to build a rapid transit system high-speed bus route in Colchester. She stated that due to cost escalation and delivery challenges, only phase 1 of the A1331 link road will be funded with available grant funds but assured that existing local road networks are sufficient to support initial home construction.

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