Nigel Riglar
Director of Environment and Community Services
South Gloucestershire Council
PO Box 1954
BS37 0DD
Letter of support regarding Planning Application P23/00268/F: Construction of M49 Link Road with associated works at Land Between M49 Avonmouth Junction and Goldcrest Way, Western Approach Distribution Park | Land At Western Approach Distribution Park Adjacent To The M49 Central Park Goldcrest Way Severn Beach South Gloucestershire BS35 4GH
Dear Nigel,
I am writing to outline my support on behalf of the local community, regarding application P23/00268/F, which seeks to complete construction of the M49 link road near the Avonmouth Junction.
Residents throughout the nearby villages of Aust, Severn Beach and Pilning, have all expressed very real and understandable concerns about the incomplete link road, explaining that this has contributed to pollution in local neighbourhoods which are currently being used for alternative access.
South Gloucestershire’s local economy received a huge boost in 2017 when the Severn Bridge Tolls were scrapped by the Conservative Government at the time, and completing the outstanding work near this motorway junction will only help to facilitate further economic growth and make a substantial difference for local businesses and commuters.
I am aware that several local businesses, particularly those using HGVs for trade and logistics, would benefit from improved access to the motorway, and would help to alleviate road surface damage on more residential roads in the area. Businesses have also explained to me that their workforce would hugely benefit, with many employees travelling between South Gloucestershire and Wales each day.
As suggested, there is a clear environmental need for this link road to be completed, as it would drastically help to alleviate pollution and therefore improve air quality.
Valid comments have been raised about the safety for cyclists and so I would welcome any direct consultation and communication the Local Authority could have with local cycle groups and their members; and would be grateful that the appropriate signage and road safety measures are fully reviewed.
Parish Councils, such as Aust Parish Council, have expressed their strong support for the project, and have highlighted the specific improvement this would have to help reduce unsustainable and concerning volume of traffic currently using the A403.
The completion of the Severn Beach Motorway Junction is long overdue. It’s completion would relieve pressure on the local road network, support commuters, and cut journey times. I would like to add to the planning consultation my personal, full support for this planning application as the local MP.
Yours sincerely,
Luke
Image courtesy of National Highways
