Somerset stands to gain from a £165 million government fund aimed at accelerating new housing developments situated near England’s key roads. Although the Department for Transport’s third road investment strategy (RIS3), announced on March 26, prioritises major road projects nationwide through to 2031, it notably excludes any new road projects for Somerset within the next five years. This means persistent congestion on critical routes like the M5 and A303 will remain a familiar challenge for local commuters.
In response, the government has introduced the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund, which will allocate £165 million over five years to support new homes near roads managed by National Highways, including Somerset’s main arteries like the M5 and A303. This fund is designed to provide flexible gap funding for housing and employment developments facing viability challenges, where alternative financing is unavailable.
Potentially eligible uses for the fund encompass new junctions, bypasses, relief roads, active travel links, and other essential infrastructure to support growth. The Department for Transport intends the fund to prioritise areas historically underserved by infrastructure investment, especially those with stalled projects.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP emphasised the fund’s goal: “Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn’t there to support them. This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them.”
Somerset currently has multiple housing developments at various stages along the M5 corridor, including Isleport Grove in Highbridge, Folletts Farm in Bridgwater, Newton Road proposals in North Petherton, and the Monkton Heathfield urban extension in Taunton. Similarly, developments are planned near the A303 at locations such as Broadway Hill in Horton, Hainbury Farm in Ilchester, and High Street in Sparkford.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP added, “For many people, the dream of a decent home, close to work, and with good connections to their community, has been out of reach. This government is firing on all cylinders to get spades in the ground faster so we can build new homes, bolster our transport links and create jobs in the places most in need.”
National Highways will soon invite local authorities, including Somerset Council, to submit potential projects for consideration. A rolling programme of funded schemes is expected to be published by early 2027.
Elliot Shaw, Executive Director at National Highways, highlighted the importance of the fund: “Reliable roads are crucial to housing developments. They shape where people want to live, where businesses want to invest, and where communities can thrive. This fund will help unlock the transport links needed for new homes and jobs and help the government achieve its ambitions on economic growth.”
Somerset Council has acknowledged the funding opportunity but is awaiting further details before deciding which projects to pursue. A spokesperson said, “Once this information is available, we will review and explore which opportunities to pursue for funding applications.”