Purpose

To seek Cabinet approval on the approach to be taken in respect of the development of the M5 Junction 9 (Ashchurch) and A46 Transport Scheme.

Decision

Cllr Julian Tooke sought Cabinet approval on the approach to be taken in respect of the development of the M5 Junction 9 (Ashchurch) and A46 Transport Scheme.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure to:
 

1. Award without further competition a call-off contract for the supply of professional Highways Traffic and Transport services during the period 1 August 2026 to 31st March 2027 under Lot 5 of the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) Consultancy Services (664-25) framework agreement to the preferred tender, namely AtkinsRealis, in accordance with the framework’s direct award criteria. The provision of the above services will enable consultancy work to continue on the council’s above-mentioned Strategic Outline Case (SOC) and Outline Business Case (OBC) relating to the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme.
2. Continue work on the council’s Strategic Outline Case (SOC) and Outline Business Case (OBC) relating to the M5 Junction 9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme, between 1 August 2026 and 31 October 2026, capping the cost of such work at £534k, funded from existing resources - previously approved CIL contributions.
3. Increase the scheme approvals by £360k to ensure the overall scheme approvals match the proposed spend to October 2026.
4. A further report is required in October 2026 to clarify government’s commitment to the scheme, which is required to release further funding and scheme approvals. The Department for Transport (DfT) was expected to make an announcement regarding the future of the M5 J9 and A46 (Ashchurch) Transport Scheme in the Large Local Majors/Major Road Network programme, in early summer (July 2026). However, with the recent changes in parliament involving a new Prime Minister, an announcement has been made by Government that it is unlikely that any new funding decisions will now occur before September.