Plans to upgrade Junction 10 of the M5 have been given the green light, with the Secretary of State for Transport officially granting development consent for the improvements scheme.

The project, submitted by Gloucestershire County Council, will deliver major changes aimed at boosting connectivity and easing congestion in the region. Key elements of the scheme include improvements to the existing junction, a new road linking Junction 10 to west Cheltenham, the widening of the A4019 east of the junction, and new, dedicated footways and cycle lanes for non-motorised users within the scheme area.

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The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 19 December 2023 and accepted for examination on 16 January 2024. Following a six-month process involving public hearings and stakeholder input, recommendations were submitted to the Secretary of State on 4 March 2025.

This marks the 58th transport infrastructure application to receive consent from the Planning Inspectorate under the Planning Act 2008, with the process again completed within the statutory timescale.

The Planning Inspectorate emphasised that local communities were able to play an active role in shaping the outcome. Residents, local authorities, and other interested parties were given the opportunity to present their views during the examination, which the Examining Authority carefully considered before making its recommendation.