Colchester Borough Council has today (8 June) welcomed the announcement of the next step towards a major upgrade to the A120 along a new route between Braintree and Colchester.
Last year Essex County Council consulted on five route options – eventually ruling out Option A but leaving Options B & C, which would connect to the A12 north of Kelvedon, and Options D & E which would connect to the south of the village.
Responding to today’s announcement the Leader of Colchester Borough Council, Cllr Mark Cory, said: “I am happy to see vital infrastructure being delivered for Colchester and the surrounding area. This fits with the positive trajectory in which the Borough is heading, as Colchester continues to be a leading economic centre in the region.”
Cllr Tim Young, Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “I am delighted that our calls for a major upgrade to the A120, to support ongoing economic growth and housebuilding in the region, have been taken seriously.
“The new A120 scheme – one of the most important strategic road routes serving the Borough – has taken another step closer to being improved and is a vital and necessary component in our plans to develop new Garden Communities. Today’s announcement provides more certainty, and will aid in the future master-planning of these developments.
“We are disappointed ECC has not picked our preferred route, which was a route north of Kelvedon. Nevertheless, by delivering forward-funded infrastructure first, we can ensure existing communities benefit from new infrastructure at the earliest opportunity so that new development is accompanied by the new homes we need, as well as the jobs, transport and green spaces that will fully support thriving, attractive and ultimately sustainable communities.”
Late last year, Colchester Borough Council and Braintree District Council consulted on the Issues and Options for the Colchester Braintree Borders Garden Community, including the benefits to the Garden Community, as well as to existing residents, of a closer connection to the A120.
Highways England will have the final say, next year, on the preferred option for a final route.