Somerset Council has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to upgrade the busy roundabout located on the northern edge of Cheddar, near the Mendip Hills. Known locally as the ‘magic roundabout’, this junction connects the A371 Axbridge Road and Upper New Road with the B3135, which leads towards Cheddar Gorge and Shipham Road, a route serving several local quarries.
The roundabout is a vital point for quarrying lorries and experiences increasing traffic due to housing developments in Cheddar and Axbridge, as well as visitors to nearby reservoirs, campsites, and other tourist attractions. In August 2019, Sedgemoor District Council identified the junction as a transport priority, committing to realign the roads to enhance traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety.
However, Somerset Council, which took over from the district council in April 2023, has stated that it currently lacks detailed designs or funding for such improvements. A feasibility study funded by contributions from local housing developments is ongoing to explore potential enhancements to the junction, but the council has indicated that any resulting upgrades could take many years to materialise.
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The junction’s unusual design involves the A371 and B3135 passing closely with limited turning space, particularly challenging for multiple lorries navigating around the roundabout. Pedestrian facilities are minimal; for example, those crossing to reach the Esso petrol station and shop from Axbridge must negotiate an island without a tarmac surface.
Pedestrian traffic is expected to rise, especially with new plans submitted to redevelop the former Yeo Valley complex nearby into 56 houses and a 66-bed care home. Additionally, congestion may increase if proposals for a new Lidl supermarket on the A371 Upper New Road, opposite the Oak Tree Park housing estate, receive approval.
A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “We are undertaking a feasibility study at the junction funded by Section 106 contributions. Beyond that work, there is currently no proposal to deliver any upgrade. The funding from housing developers is designated for feasibility work only, and no other funding has been allocated for this site. No designs have been developed, nor are there proposals to acquire land for any improvement scheme at this location. Any future improvements would depend on the feasibility study outcomes, funding availability, and the council’s wider transport priorities. Recent data collection during 2024/25 provides a baseline to inform the ongoing feasibility study.”
The council also stated that it could not currently confirm the amount of Section 106 funding allocated to the study.