RUMOURS are circulating controversial relief road plans have been refused government funding.
Campaign group Stratford Residents Action Group (SRAG) revealed it had ‘good reason to believe’ an £86million bid to fund the South Western Relief Road had been refused by central government as the plans ‘did not offer value for money’.
The £130million road – which was initially costed at £30million – would run from near Orchard Hill Farm on Shipston Road to Luddington Road, close to the racecourse, and include a flyover.
Residents have raised concerns over the impact of the relief road – which is linked to developer Cala Homes’ garden village application – on surrounding roads and the environment, as well as its effectiveness on congested traffic in light of the planned 3,500 homes.
The plans received more than 1,000 objections and have yet to be approved by Stratford District Council.
Warwickshire County Council has been awaiting a decision on the government bid since summer to cover the rocketing costs, now rumoured to have been refused.
If the bid was approved, the remaining £44million would be funded by Cala.
Campaign leader Marion Homer added: “Needless to say this is very good news for our campaign. The local council will now need to look at traffic in fully joined up way, and not destroy an area of beauty enjoyed by many simply to allow Cala homes to build some houses.”
The Observer has contacted Warwickshire County Council and Cala Homes to confirm the funding position.
