Transport Secretary grants funding to improve M5 in Gloucestershire
The moves will bring significant benefits to transport and the local economy
The Transport Secretary has given official consent to the development of Junction 10 of the M5 in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire County Council confirmed that the government had given backing to the scheme, which they say will bring "significant transport and economic benefits" across the county.
As part of the scheme, construction will be made across Junction 10 to help provide access to in all directions both on and off the motorway.
A new link road will also be built connecting West Cheltenham to the A4019, as well as a widening of Tewkesbury Road.
On top of this, a number of other services will be provided for - including what the council describes as "new active travel facilities", as well as flood defences being built.
Westminster will pay for the improvement works, with the funds coming from the UK Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The council added that the scheme will help to provide more options to build planned housing around the north of Cheltenham, as well as improving mobility around the town and improving the sustainability of the motorway.
Speaking on the move, leader of Gloucestershire County Council - Cllr Lisa Spivey - said the move was a "landmark moment" for the county and the nation.
"We’re delighted that the Secretary of State recognises the importance of this scheme to the county’s future," she said.
"The improvements will not only unlock vital growth opportunities, including thousands of new homes and jobs, they will also ease congestion and enhance safety.
"We can now look to finalise developer contributions to the scheme and move forward with delivering the infrastructure our communities and businesses need."