Plan for new slip road could soon make progress

SCHEME ONE OF FIVE BIDS FOR ‘LEVELLING UP' FUNDING

- DANIEL CLARK

PLANS for a new slip road off the A38 at the hamlet of Lee Mill could be about to move a step closer.

The multi-million-pound scheme would provide a new eastbound off-slip to connect vehicles with an industrial estate and the village itself. A new bus interchange would also be provided, with cycle parking facilities.

The plans form one of five bids to the Government's Levelling Up Fund recommended by Devon County Council's cabinet, working in conjunction with the relevant district councils.

The other four schemes, set to be submitted at next Wednesday's cabinet meeting, are for the Okehampton Parkway railway station, the Cullompton town centre relief road, the extension of Dinan Way in Exmouth and a new Newton Abbot to Torbay cycle route.

The cabinet is recommending the bids be submitted, with a total estimated cost of £92 million. Approval of the increase in the capital programme of up to £6.3m would be a contribution from the county council.

The Lee Mill bid total is £15m, of which £1.5m would come from the council and £13.5m from the Government, if successful.