Alternative use of funds and the inflationary costs of new road called into question
29 Jun 2022By CBC Independent Councillor, Mary Walsh
• WHAT COULD THE £51 MILLION THAT CBC HAVE ALLOCATED TO FUND THE M1- A6 LINK ROAD, HAVE PROVIDED FOR CENTRAL BEDS RESIDENTS?
In February Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) allocated this money within the Capital Budget to up-front fund the Link Road - and it raises some serious questions.
1 – Who will pay the increasing costs of this out-dated project – developers or residents?
2 – What will be the impact of significant changes to the design, on costs and quality of this road?
3 – What will be the cost of significant construction delays, spiralling inflation and land purchase?
Last year councillors at CBC voted against my proposal for a fully funded Health Hub to serve our area (*), including the residents of thousands of new homes and at a fraction of this cost, yet are prepared to spend ever-increasing millions on their highly contentious plan to link two of the most polluting roads in Bedfordshire.
The road approved by CBC in 2020 and due to complete next year, has yet to commence. Yet the cost appears to have remained static since 2015. In 2015 the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) awarded £32.75 million of government funding towards the total cost of £61million for this road. CBC now claim that in 2022 the total cost is £61,454,843!
This price made ‘’allowances for fees, tender and construction inflation and optimism bias’, and was based on the programme submitted by the ‘preferred bidder’. However, excluded from that sum were ‘Land acquisition costs and part 1 claims’.
CBC have just published the following ‘news’;“We are finalising plans for the new M1-A6 Link Road project, set to benefit existing communities and support growth, jobs and homes.
"Negotiations are complex given the numerous landowners involved but these are reaching an advanced stage, which will enable scheme details to be finalised and the tender process to identify a contractor to start works.
"To provide certainty that the Link Road can be delivered in its entirety, we may need to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire land, if an agreement by negotiation cannot be reached. This approach was approved by Executive on Tuesday 7 June 2022”.
This is an extract from a report published by the SEMLEP Board in May this year, in relation to their funding. ‘2021/22 Local Growth Fund and Getting Building Fund Programme and Project Update:
…. In February it was explained that land issues were leading to a delay and requiring a re-procurement, as well as consideration of Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire all the land. In March, the Growth Funds Task Group were consulted on proposals providing the LGF funds to Central Bedfordshire held until the scheme is able to commence when land and procurement issues are resolved…... In March, a funding agreement was issued with the DfT letter attached as an annex. This agreement effectively embargoes the use of the funds by Central Bedfordshire Council until the land is purchased, the re-procurement is complete and DfT have reassessed the scheme.
I can confirm that Central Bedfordshire Council has signed the accountable body’s funding agreement and payment of £28.75m was made by Luton BC on 30 March.’ (**)
In the response to the Freedom of Information request I submitted in relation to my various concerns, CBC, whilst not addressing them completely, continue to claim that ‘the total project value remains £61.5m’.
The total cost of this road, like everything else, is going to spiral upwards in the current economic climate and with the addition of land acquisition costs. SEMLEP provided £32.75million, the majority of which is currently out of reach as embargoed, and around £8million has already been spent on design and tender costs etc.
Highways England also required changes to be made to Junction 11a, which were also not included in the original cost estimate of £61million made in 2015, and remained unknown when permission to build was granted.
CBC will now ‘up-front’ fund £51million with the expectation of clawing this back from developers. Developers will decide when and if to proceed with their plans, which were already challenging in terms of viability, and the funding to be contributed by them has yet to be negotiated and agreed. Yet it is evident that CBC are intent on building this road at any cost and the questions remain unanswered.
Who will ultimately pay and what will be delivered?
If you are concerned about these issues, please email or write to Cllr Richard Wenham – Leader of the Council, Chair of the decision-making Executive, Vice Chairman of SEMLEP and Chair of England’s Economic Heartlands (EEH) – who had the task of producing a transport plan for the region (OX CAM ARC) which, when published in 2021, did not include this road.
richard.wenham@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and please copy me in mary.walsh@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
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Compulsory Purchase Order may be used to advance plans for new M1-A6 route
16 Jun 2022
In a notice sent today, the Council warns that “Negotiations are complex given the numerous landowners involved but these are reaching an advanced stage, which will enable scheme details to be finalised and the tender process to identify a contractor to start works.
“To provide certainty that the Link Road can be delivered in its entirety, we may need to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire land, if an agreement by negotiation cannot be reached. This approach was approved by Executive on Tuesday 7 June 2022.”
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Independent Councillor Warns of Pollution as Government Approves MI - A6 Link Road Funding
In a notice sent today, the Council warns that “Negotiations are complex given the numerous landowners involved but these are reaching an advanced stage, which will enable scheme details to be finalised and the tender process to identify a contractor to start works.
“To provide certainty that the Link Road can be delivered in its entirety, we may need to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire land, if an agreement by negotiation cannot be reached. This approach was approved by Executive on Tuesday 7 June 2022.”
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16 Oct 2021- Central Bedfordshire Council has learnt that it has been successful in securing £32.7 million in Government funding from the Department for Transport towards a new road linking the M1 to the A6.
Thanks to the Government funding award, the construction of the new 2.75-mile road link between Junction 11a of the M1 and the A6 is expected to begin in early 2022. The road layout is to have a mix of single and dual carriageways with a 50mph speed limit, and there will be a junction at the new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon, as well as at proposed new housing developments.
The project will also encourage active travel by including a three-metre-wide foot and cycle path on the south side of the link road.
The Link Road was granted planning permission on 9 January 2020 having been referred to the Secretary of State of the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government. A legal challenge by Luton Borough Council was made but on 4 May 2020 Justice Jay rejected the challenge. The total cost of the Link Road was estimated in April this year at around £61.5 million*.
The project is being led by Central Bedfordshire Council and South-East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) with support from the Department for Transport.
- The new road will go close to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lower Sundon.
- The new road will adjoin the A5 link road at M1, junction 11A
Today, Mary Walsh, an Independent CBC councillor for Toddington Ward, voiced her concerns, saying, “Sadly the majority of residents of my Ward affected were devastated at the proposed destruction of this part of the Chiltern Hills and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - to create a freight road that joins the 2 most polluting roads in Central Bedfordshire — the M1 and A6. More traffic will be sucked into Luton via the A6 gateway and Luton Borough Council had strongly opposed its construction as had many others - including the Chilterns Conservation Board, the Woodland and Wildlife Trusts and of course CPRE Bedfordshire.”
Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Councillor Richard Wenham said, “We are delighted to have secured funding from the Department for Transport for this key link road, which will deliver improved east-west connectivity across Central Bedfordshire and the wider area and facilitate the delivery of up to 3,600 new homes and a Rail Freight Interchange which are important in meeting a wider housing need and strengthening our economic offer.”
Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Kevin Collins said, “The funding provides us with a welcome opportunity to improve connectivity between towns in Central Bedfordshire, especially east-west linkages, whilst also easing congestion in the villages and areas north of Luton. It will also facilitate the delivery of growth envisaged in our adopted Local Plan and will provide homes, jobs and necessary supporting infrastructure for Central Bedfordshire and the wider area.”
Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive at SEMLEP added, “This major infrastructure project will facilitate economic growth in Central Bedfordshire and improve East-West connectivity within the South East Midlands and wider Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
“We look forward to the link road opening up employment land to support new job opportunities, enabling new homes to be built for the benefit of local people and alleviating congestion locally."
Cllr Mary Walsh warned, “I hope CBC have secured sufficient funds to restore and enhance the countryside impacted, and enough to create and maintain the proposed two green bridges over the road. Costs are likely to have escalated considerably and corners must not be cut.
“We must also meet our commitments in respect of carbon zero by 2030. There will be a need to address the increase in pollution that will particularly impact Chalton village because of its proximity to the road and the proposed 42-plus hectares of warehousing that will be served by it. We must all work together to achieve the best possible outcomes and I will be seeking assurances from CBC that this will be the case.”
- Having long campaigned against the link road, CPRE Bedfordshire is extremely disappointed by the news. CPRE's objections
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Cost Concerns As CBC Exec Approves Business Case For M1-A6 Road
- Central Bedfordshire Council has learnt that it has been successful in securing £32.7 million in Government funding from the Department for Transport towards a new road linking the M1 to the A6.
Thanks to the Government funding award, the construction of the new 2.75-mile road link between Junction 11a of the M1 and the A6 is expected to begin in early 2022. The road layout is to have a mix of single and dual carriageways with a 50mph speed limit, and there will be a junction at the new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon, as well as at proposed new housing developments.
The project will also encourage active travel by including a three-metre-wide foot and cycle path on the south side of the link road.
The Link Road was granted planning permission on 9 January 2020 having been referred to the Secretary of State of the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government. A legal challenge by Luton Borough Council was made but on 4 May 2020 Justice Jay rejected the challenge. The total cost of the Link Road was estimated in April this year at around £61.5 million*.
The project is being led by Central Bedfordshire Council and South-East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) with support from the Department for Transport.
- The new road will go close to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lower Sundon.
- The new road will adjoin the A5 link road at M1, junction 11A
Today, Mary Walsh, an Independent CBC councillor for Toddington Ward, voiced her concerns, saying, “Sadly the majority of residents of my Ward affected were devastated at the proposed destruction of this part of the Chiltern Hills and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - to create a freight road that joins the 2 most polluting roads in Central Bedfordshire — the M1 and A6. More traffic will be sucked into Luton via the A6 gateway and Luton Borough Council had strongly opposed its construction as had many others - including the Chilterns Conservation Board, the Woodland and Wildlife Trusts and of course CPRE Bedfordshire.”
Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Councillor Richard Wenham said, “We are delighted to have secured funding from the Department for Transport for this key link road, which will deliver improved east-west connectivity across Central Bedfordshire and the wider area and facilitate the delivery of up to 3,600 new homes and a Rail Freight Interchange which are important in meeting a wider housing need and strengthening our economic offer.”
Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Kevin Collins said, “The funding provides us with a welcome opportunity to improve connectivity between towns in Central Bedfordshire, especially east-west linkages, whilst also easing congestion in the villages and areas north of Luton. It will also facilitate the delivery of growth envisaged in our adopted Local Plan and will provide homes, jobs and necessary supporting infrastructure for Central Bedfordshire and the wider area.”
Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive at SEMLEP added, “This major infrastructure project will facilitate economic growth in Central Bedfordshire and improve East-West connectivity within the South East Midlands and wider Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
“We look forward to the link road opening up employment land to support new job opportunities, enabling new homes to be built for the benefit of local people and alleviating congestion locally."
Cllr Mary Walsh warned, “I hope CBC have secured sufficient funds to restore and enhance the countryside impacted, and enough to create and maintain the proposed two green bridges over the road. Costs are likely to have escalated considerably and corners must not be cut.
“We must also meet our commitments in respect of carbon zero by 2030. There will be a need to address the increase in pollution that will particularly impact Chalton village because of its proximity to the road and the proposed 42-plus hectares of warehousing that will be served by it. We must all work together to achieve the best possible outcomes and I will be seeking assurances from CBC that this will be the case.”
- Having long campaigned against the link road, CPRE Bedfordshire is extremely disappointed by the news. CPRE's objections
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28 Apr 2021
- The business case to access funding that will support the construction of the M1-A6 link road has been approved for submission to the Department for Transport by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive.
An official statement from Central Bedfordshire Council says, “The M1-A6 link road, which is forecast to cost £61.5m, £32.75 of which has been secured by CBC from the Department of Transport, is a new strategic road that will create a northern Luton bypass running from the A6 road to junction 11a of the M1, connecting with the A5-M1 link road.”
The Council's statement continues, “The new M1-A6 link road will be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and includes a dual carriageway to a planned rail freight interchange at Sundon Park, and then a single carriageway connecting to the A6. The link road will facilitate growth within the Local Plan that will bring with it opportunities for employment, leisure activities and housing.”
In the CBC statement, Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, says, “The M1-A6 link road will improve access to Houghton Regis, Leighton Linslade, Dunstable and Luton Airport, make the region attractive for businesses, and ease congestion in Luton as well as traffic in local villages.
“The new road will facilitate the delivery of up for 3,600 new homes and 40 hectares of warehousing and distribution. The rail freight interchange at Sundon will also help transfer goods to/from the M1 to the Midland Mainline and beyond.”
- The business case to access funding that will support the construction of the M1-A6 link road has been approved for submission to the Department for Transport by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive.
The Council's statement continues, “The new M1-A6 link road will be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and includes a dual carriageway to a planned rail freight interchange at Sundon Park, and then a single carriageway connecting to the A6. The link road will facilitate growth within the Local Plan that will bring with it opportunities for employment, leisure activities and housing.”
Voices of Concern
As can be heard in greater detail in the video above, there were voices of concern at the Executive meeting of CBC on 27 April 2021, notably from opposition non-executive members. Here's some edited highlights:
Councillor Sylvia Collins (Independent, represents Toddington ward affected by the new road), “I have deep concerns over the road... reluctantly accept that we have to have this beast of a road... How will we maximise the affordable housing for our residents?”
Councillor Mary Walsh (Independent, represents Toddington ward affected by the new road), “The Council is putting CBC at risk as it is reckless to proceed. The arrangements and the cost of junction 11A are still unknown, as is the drainage costs; these are yet to be signed off. There's no mention of connecting across Network Rail. I believe that the costs will far exceed those that have been put forward.”
Councillor Victoria Harvey (Independent, represents Linslade), “... very very sad that we are discussing a business case when we haven't actually seen it... There is a real challenge that this road could create a huge amount of extra traffic and congestion and problems that we would have to deal with ... Some basics like counting trees haven't been sorted ...”
Councillor Peter Snelling (Liberal Democrat, represents Linslade), “The risks are not sufficiently mitigated, particularly if the costs of the scheme escalate beyond the forecast costs, as they almost certainly will.”
Councillor Nigel Young (Conservative represents Dunstable Watling), “I am completely behind putting the business case forward. It's jolly well about time.”
From the Agenda to the committee meeting, this notice explains why the decision was needed.
The contract for the road is not yet awarded by yesterday's vote on these recommendations, which were approved by CBC's Executive Committee.
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Central Beds Council Looking to Submit Business Case for M1-A6 Road
Councillor Mary Walsh (Independent, represents Toddington ward affected by the new road), “The Council is putting CBC at risk as it is reckless to proceed. The arrangements and the cost of junction 11A are still unknown, as is the drainage costs; these are yet to be signed off. There's no mention of connecting across Network Rail. I believe that the costs will far exceed those that have been put forward.”
15 Apr 2021
A report to a CBC committee today set out that they needed to approve a report and forward to their Executive before the end of April. The report sets out the M1-A6 Link Road Full Business Case to go before the Secretary of State for Transport for formal sign off by the end of May.
Cllr Mary Walsh (Independent, Toddington Ward) was critical of a number of shortfalls about which the Council did not yet know the costs of (see video below).
The Business Case is the means for securing approval to the release of the balance of £32.75m DfT-retained Local Growth Funding (LGF) allocated by SEMLEP to meet the road’s design and construction cost.
The meeting was Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on Thursday, 15th April 2021 at 10:00am:
15 Apr 2021
The Business Case is the means for securing approval to the release of the balance of £32.75m DfT-retained Local Growth Funding (LGF) allocated by SEMLEP to meet the road’s design and construction cost.
The meeting was Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on Thursday, 15th April 2021 at 10:00am:
Highlights from the report to the committee:
The M1–A6 Link Road is a proposed 4.4 km section of new dual and single carriageway highway that connects the A6 with Junction 11a of the M1.
Subject to the formal allocation of land in the Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Local Plan, the Link Road will facilitate the delivery of up to 3,600 new homes and circa 7 hectares of employment land. Associated with this allocation are health and social care provision, schools, open space, leisure and community facilities. The Link Road also facilitates the delivery of a Rail Freight Interchange (RFI) at Sundon alongside approximately 40 hectares of new warehousing and distribution uses.
CBC has secured grant funding totalling £32.75 million towards the costs of the Link Road retained by the Department of Transport (DfT). To date, the DfT has released £4m to the Council via SEMLEP as a contribution towards the costs of the road’s design which is, now complete.
The Link Road was granted planning permission on 9 January 2020 having been referred to the Secretary of State of the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government. A legal challenge by Luton Borough Council was made but on 4 May 2020 Justice Jay rejected the challenge.
CBC has tendered the Link Road construction contract and has nominated a preferred contractor. On the basis of their response, the total cost of the Link Road is estimated at circa £61.5 million.
To ensure that the funds are available for the construction to begin CBC needs to submit the Business Case in May 2021 to the DfT.
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CPRE In Attempt to Stop M1-A6 Link Road
The M1–A6 Link Road is a proposed 4.4 km section of new dual and single carriageway highway that connects the A6 with Junction 11a of the M1.
Subject to the formal allocation of land in the Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Local Plan, the Link Road will facilitate the delivery of up to 3,600 new homes and circa 7 hectares of employment land. Associated with this allocation are health and social care provision, schools, open space, leisure and community facilities. The Link Road also facilitates the delivery of a Rail Freight Interchange (RFI) at Sundon alongside approximately 40 hectares of new warehousing and distribution uses.
CBC has secured grant funding totalling £32.75 million towards the costs of the Link Road retained by the Department of Transport (DfT). To date, the DfT has released £4m to the Council via SEMLEP as a contribution towards the costs of the road’s design which is, now complete.
The Link Road was granted planning permission on 9 January 2020 having been referred to the Secretary of State of the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government. A legal challenge by Luton Borough Council was made but on 4 May 2020 Justice Jay rejected the challenge.
CBC has tendered the Link Road construction contract and has nominated a preferred contractor. On the basis of their response, the total cost of the Link Road is estimated at circa £61.5 million.
To ensure that the funds are available for the construction to begin CBC needs to submit the Business Case in May 2021 to the DfT.
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18 Jun 2020In a letter to their supporters Campaign for Protection of Rural England (CPRE) urged ”pressure to be put on local decision makers” to demand a rethink about the A6-M1 Link road. The letter, of 18 June 2020 addressed from Lois Wright, Manager, CPRE Bedfordshire reads,
“This is our last chance to stop the A6-M1 Link Road so will you join us in demanding a better deal for our Bedfordshire countryside?
“The need for economic recovery post COVID-19 has been widely welcomed as a chance to build a healthy, green and fair future for all and we are hopeful that this will include a review of spending and road building. But we need to put pressure on our local decision makers NOW and demand that they think again about the A6-M1 Link Road for the following reasons:- “THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR COUNTRYSIDEThis road runs alongside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Bedfordshire Chilterns and will be entirely within the Green Belt and beside 2 Ancient Woodlands. These are vital parts of our “Natural Health Service” – the green lungs for our urban areas. All will be adversely impacted by the A6 – M1 Link Road which will get jammed up just as quickly as it’s built. “THE COSTThe total cost of building and maintaining the road is unclear and therefore a financial risk not just to Central Bedfordshire Council but to SEMLEP who are providing £32.75m of funding. It has been estimated at over £60 million; equating to at least that is £22.2 million per mile over the 2.7 mile route! At this time of economic decline should Central Bedfordshire be wasting our money on a road that is not needed? “THE CLIMATE HYPOCRISYIn July 2019 Central Bedfordshire Council committed to prioritise responding to climate change with the creation of a Climate Change Plan. The detrimental environmental impact of the planned road also goes against SEMLEPs Sustainability Policy. Not only will the road lead to countryside loss but also to increased air pollution and carbon emissions, taking us in exactly the opposite direction to where we need to be going to tackle the climate emergency. “THE DEMOCRATIC DEFICITThe efforts of local people and organisations, including CPRE Bedfordshire, to stop this road have been dismissed. This is despite Government appointed Inspectors raising serious concerns regarding the need for the new road during the examination of Central Bedfordshire’s new Local Plan 2035. A “call in” request to MHC&LG to review the road plan was declined by Robert Jenrick, stating that the issue was a local matter. This is most certainly not the case – the Chilterns AONB is of national significance and our countryside is a matter for all of us.”
For further information about the campaign go to https://www.cprebeds.org.uk/news/last-chance/
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Now LBC Wants A Judicial Review on M1-A6 Link Road
“This is our last chance to stop the A6-M1 Link Road so will you join us in demanding a better deal for our Bedfordshire countryside?
“The need for economic recovery post COVID-19 has been widely welcomed as a chance to build a healthy, green and fair future for all and we are hopeful that this will include a review of spending and road building. But we need to put pressure on our local decision makers NOW and demand that they think again about the A6-M1 Link Road for the following reasons:-
“THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE
This road runs alongside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Bedfordshire Chilterns and will be entirely within the Green Belt and beside 2 Ancient Woodlands. These are vital parts of our “Natural Health Service” – the green lungs for our urban areas. All will be adversely impacted by the A6 – M1 Link Road which will get jammed up just as quickly as it’s built.
“THE COST
The total cost of building and maintaining the road is unclear and therefore a financial risk not just to Central Bedfordshire Council but to SEMLEP who are providing £32.75m of funding. It has been estimated at over £60 million; equating to at least that is £22.2 million per mile over the 2.7 mile route! At this time of economic decline should Central Bedfordshire be wasting our money on a road that is not needed?
“THE CLIMATE HYPOCRISY
In July 2019 Central Bedfordshire Council committed to prioritise responding to climate change with the creation of a Climate Change Plan. The detrimental environmental impact of the planned road also goes against SEMLEPs Sustainability Policy. Not only will the road lead to countryside loss but also to increased air pollution and carbon emissions, taking us in exactly the opposite direction to where we need to be going to tackle the climate emergency.
“THE DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT
The efforts of local people and organisations, including CPRE Bedfordshire, to stop this road have been dismissed. This is despite Government appointed Inspectors raising serious concerns regarding the need for the new road during the examination of Central Bedfordshire’s new Local Plan 2035. A “call in” request to MHC&LG to review the road plan was declined by Robert Jenrick, stating that the issue was a local matter. This is most certainly not the case – the Chilterns AONB is of national significance and our countryside is a matter for all of us.”
For further information about the campaign go to https://www.cprebeds.org.uk/news/last-chance/
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15 Feb 2020
Luton Borough Council are to seek a judicial review into the building of £64.6m link road between the M1 and A6 north of Luton. The road would be on Central Bedfordshire Council land from M1 J11a to the A6 south of Streatley.
Luton Borough Council (LBC) said it wants to ensure Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has "fully considered the impact".
The M1 to A6 Link Road was approved by CBC in January 2020 after the government decided against having a public inquiry. Voting on the Development Management Committee at CBC was not unanimous.
Work was hoped to have started on the 2.75-mile (4.4km) road in 2021. The approved single and dual-carriageway road will have a 50mph speed limit and incorporate a green bridge for wildlife.
The road aim was to improve access to Luton Airport, Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Linslade, as well as provide a new border for the Green Belt north of Luton, where CBC has designs on facilitating the building of over 3,000 new homes, many of which would help LBC meet it's housing needs.
The BBC reported that a spokeswoman for the Conservative-run CBC council has said: "It will relieve congestion and reduce HGVs from other routes. It is deeply disappointing LBC intends to challenge our decision-making process for the M1-A6. This action will result in significant legal bills having to be paid from public funds."
Paul Castleman, portfolio holder for planning at Labour-run LBC according to the BBC report said: "Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Examination Inspectors questioned whether a link road was needed. The Inspectors' letters have not been properly considered in determining the planning application. Therefore we have no option other than to proceed with a Judicial Review".
According to the BBC report this week, an LBC spokeswoman said they wanted the decision delayed so that "Local Plan inspectors can view the scheme and make sure CBC has fully considered the potential impact of the proposed development on Luton residents and businesses."
The plans include 4,000 homes and a rail freight interchange in Sundon.
Last April David Franks, a Liberal Democrat member of LBC, reportedly said the scheme did not make "sense."
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that Mr Franks told the LBC executive committee meeting: "This is a lunatic scheme which is going to make even more east-west traffic use New Bedford Road, Stockingstone Road and Hitchin Road, rather than the signposted route. And I really completely fail to understand why CBC have come up with a scheme like this. It doesn't make any sense. There's no logic behind it; none whatsoever."
CBC considered and voted on their road plan at their Development Management Committee in January.
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New Main Road for North of Luton - Plans Submitted
The road aim was to improve access to Luton Airport, Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Linslade, as well as provide a new border for the Green Belt north of Luton, where CBC has designs on facilitating the building of over 3,000 new homes, many of which would help LBC meet it's housing needs.
The BBC reported that a spokeswoman for the Conservative-run CBC council has said: "It will relieve congestion and reduce HGVs from other routes. It is deeply disappointing LBC intends to challenge our decision-making process for the M1-A6. This action will result in significant legal bills having to be paid from public funds."
Paul Castleman, portfolio holder for planning at Labour-run LBC according to the BBC report said: "Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Examination Inspectors questioned whether a link road was needed. The Inspectors' letters have not been properly considered in determining the planning application. Therefore we have no option other than to proceed with a Judicial Review".
According to the BBC report this week, an LBC spokeswoman said they wanted the decision delayed so that "Local Plan inspectors can view the scheme and make sure CBC has fully considered the potential impact of the proposed development on Luton residents and businesses."
The plans include 4,000 homes and a rail freight interchange in Sundon.
Last April David Franks, a Liberal Democrat member of LBC, reportedly said the scheme did not make "sense."
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that Mr Franks told the LBC executive committee meeting: "This is a lunatic scheme which is going to make even more east-west traffic use New Bedford Road, Stockingstone Road and Hitchin Road, rather than the signposted route. And I really completely fail to understand why CBC have come up with a scheme like this. It doesn't make any sense. There's no logic behind it; none whatsoever."
CBC considered and voted on their road plan at their Development Management Committee in January.
23 Mar 2019
Central Bedfordshire Council has put in a planning application for its proposed M1 to A6 Link Road. The new strategic link road would run from the A6 Barton Road to junction 11a of the M1 motorway, joining up to the A5-M1 Link Road, to provide a strategically important east-west link. Subject to planning approval and securing funding, construction could commence in 2020. It is estimated that construction will take two years.
The existing A6 road has approximately 26,000 vehicles on it each day. The new link road would help to relieve current congestion and improve safety on the A6 into Luton, as well as ease traffic on the local village roads used as rat-runs, such as Lower Sundon, Upper Sundon and Streatley. There are also a number of suggested upgrades to the local footpaths, cycleways and bridleways.
The new road would be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and could create part of a northern bypass for Luton. The submitted layout is a mixture of single and dual carriageway, with a 50mph speed limit. There would be junctions to a proposed new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon and to proposed new housing developments.
The road will be critical to supporting a significant number of proposed new local homes on the northern edge of Luton. This development also includes 20 hectares of employment land, creating local jobs. The suggested new sub-regional Rail Freight Interchange would help transfer goods from the M1 to the Midland Mainline and beyond, shifting more freight from road to rail. It is anticipated that the Rail Freight Interchange could generate a further 1,000 jobs on 40 hectares of employment land.
Councillor Nigel Young, Executive Member for Business and Regeneration, said: “Building this new road will benefit both existing communities and new communities. This route will be critical to delivering the wider infrastructure needed for our residents and business at the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor. In the last few years, we have built new links roads to the west of the M1 junction 11a that have opened up that part of the region. If we can then link those up to the A6, we can ease congestion and further boost the economic potential of the area, opening up opportunities for businesses, including better access to Luton Airport, and creating jobs at Sundon.”
Funding
The M1 to A6 Link Road has been supported by South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) with a Local Growth Fund allocation of £32.75M. Due to the size of the investment, the Department for Transport will have to finally approve the scheme and the funding for the scheme to commence from March 2020. Further private developer funding will provide the remaining finances.The public can find out more about the road at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/M1-A6.
The planning documents are reference CB/19/00887/FULL on CBC's Planning Pages
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M1-A6 Link Road Extra Date 21st August 2018
17 Aug 2018
The additional event will be held on Tuesday 21st August, from 14.00 - 19.00hrs at St Margaret's Parish Centre, Lucas Gardens, Bramingham, Luton, LU3 4BG.
Councillor Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “We’ve been delighted with how popular our events in July were. So, we’ve decided to add another session to get additional feedback.”
The new strategic link road would run from the A6 Barton Road to junction 11a of the M1 motorway, joining up to the A5-M1 Link Road, to provide a strategically important east-west link.
The proposed new road would be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and could create part of a northern bypass for Luton. The preferred layout would have a 50mph speed limit and be a mixture of single and dual carriageway, with junctions to a new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon and proposed new housing development.
The existing A6 road has approximately 26,000 vehicles on it each day. A new link road would help to relieve current congestion and improve safety in Luton, as well as ease traffic on the local village roads used as rat-runs, such as Lower Sundon, Upper Sundon and Streatley. The plans also suggest a number of upgraded footpaths, cycleways and bridleways in the area.
The new road will be critical to support the proposed 4,000 new local homes on the northern edge of Luton, this development also includes 20 hectares of employment land creating local jobs. The suggested new sub-regional Rail Freight Interchange would help transfer goods from the M1 to the Midland Mainline and beyond, shifting more freight from road to rail. It is anticipated that it could generate a further 1,000 jobs on 40 hectares of employment land.
A planning application for the new road is scheduled for submission in 2019. Subject to planning approval and securing funding, construction could commence in 2020. It is estimated that construction will take two years.
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Central Bedfordshire Council is to hold a series of public drop-in events to share early plans for a proposed M1-A6 Link Road. The new strategic link road would run from the A6 Barton Road to junction 11a of the M1 motorway, joining up to the A5-M1 Link Road, to provide a strategically important east-west link.
The proposed new road would be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and could create part of a northern bypass for Luton. The preferred layout would have a 50mph speed limit and be a mixture of single and dual carriageway, with junctions to a new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon and proposed new housing development.
The existing A6 road has approximately 26,000 vehicles on it each day. A new link road would help to relieve current congestion and improve safety in Luton, as well as ease traffic on the local village roads used as rat-runs, such as Lower Sundon, Upper Sundon and Streatley. The plans also suggest a number of upgraded footpaths, cycleways and bridleways in the area.
The new road will be critical to support the proposed 4,000 new local homes on the northern edge of Luton, this development also includes 20 hectares of employment land creating local jobs. The suggested new sub-regional Rail Freight Interchange would help transfer goods from the M1 to the Midland Mainline and beyond, shifting more freight from road to rail. It is anticipated that it could generate a further 1,000 jobs on 40 hectares of employment land.
Councillor Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Building this new road will benefit both existing communities and new communities by easing congestion, opening up opportunities for business and creating jobs.
“Last year we built new links roads to the west of the junction 11a that have opened up that part of the region. If we can then link up to the A6, we can further boost the economic potential of the area.”
The public can find out more about the proposed road at a series of public drop-in events on the following dates and locations:
New Route M1 to A6 - Consultation Drop-In Events Announced
15 Jul 2018
The proposed new road would be 2.75 miles (4.4km) long and could create part of a northern bypass for Luton. The preferred layout would have a 50mph speed limit and be a mixture of single and dual carriageway, with junctions to a new Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon and proposed new housing development.
The existing A6 road has approximately 26,000 vehicles on it each day. A new link road would help to relieve current congestion and improve safety in Luton, as well as ease traffic on the local village roads used as rat-runs, such as Lower Sundon, Upper Sundon and Streatley. The plans also suggest a number of upgraded footpaths, cycleways and bridleways in the area.
The new road will be critical to support the proposed 4,000 new local homes on the northern edge of Luton, this development also includes 20 hectares of employment land creating local jobs. The suggested new sub-regional Rail Freight Interchange would help transfer goods from the M1 to the Midland Mainline and beyond, shifting more freight from road to rail. It is anticipated that it could generate a further 1,000 jobs on 40 hectares of employment land.
Councillor Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Building this new road will benefit both existing communities and new communities by easing congestion, opening up opportunities for business and creating jobs.
“Last year we built new links roads to the west of the junction 11a that have opened up that part of the region. If we can then link up to the A6, we can further boost the economic potential of the area.”
The public can find out more about the proposed road at a series of public drop-in events on the following dates and locations:
- Tuesday 17 July 2018 from 12 - 19.00hrs at Streatley Village Hall
- Monday 23 July 2018 from 14.00 - 20.00hrs at Houghton Regis Baptist Church
- Thursday 26 July 2018 from 14.00 - 20.00hrs at Chalton Village Hall
- Monday 30 July 2018 from 14.00 - 20.00hrs at St John’s Parish Centre in Sundon Park Road, Luton.
