Compulsory Purchase Orders to build £89.2M Banwell bypass granted

The Department for Transport (DfT) has greenlit North Somerset Council to use Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to buy land needed to build the £89.2M Banwell bypass.The Banwell Bypass scheme will see construction of a new 3.3km single carriageway off the A38 to stop traffic congestion in the village of the same name. Banwell lies between two busy A-roads, which in various sections are only wide enough for one car to pass.Originally tabled in 1927, the scheme gained planning approval in March last year but was put on hold as cost increases became clear and the council needed to source further funds. It was then given final approval for construction in November.The contract for the construction, which has been handed to Alun Griffiths, also includes the delivery of one bridge, 10 culverts, two link roads, junction upgrades and the design of a new Banwell Road junction on the A371. Alun Griffiths’ contract for the construction of the bypass is costed at £56.5M.Banwell bypass mapThe greenlighting of the CPOs follows a public inquiry held over the summer of 2023. At the inquiry, interested parties presented evidence for and against the use of CPOs. An independent inspector leading the public inquiry then presented evidence to the secretary of state for transport, helping inform the decision to grant the use of CPO powers.CPOs will be used to purchase land needed to build the bypass for cases where it could not be purchased by negotiation.The project has seen constant cost hikes due to inflation caused by the Covid-19. This was reported in June when it was revealed that the 2019 estimate of £66M had ballooned by over a third to £89.2M, leading the council to apply for a further £24M in funding from the government.Homes England had agreed to majority fund the project as it will support the development of 2,800 homes. It has now agreed to top up its fund for the project to £77.3M, with North Somerset Council agreeing to contribute the other £11.9M.North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said: “The Banwell bypass was first proposed all the way back in 1927, so this brilliant news marks a truly historic day for North Somerset. Now we have the green light use CPOs, we’re able to acquire the land, get on site and start building.“Not only will the Banwell bypass ease longstanding traffic issues in Banwell village, it will better connect communities by cutting journey times for those travelling between Weston-super-Mare and the A38.“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey so far, including those who shared their views in consultation and shaped the bypass design, along with the design of miles of walking, cycling and horse-riding tracks. I’d also like to thank John Penrose MP for his continued support for this important project.“In the coming weeks we will begin environmental works, readying the area for construction set to start in the spring. The bypass also includes new ponds, woodland and wetland and our contractor, Alun Griffiths, are innovating to cut construction’s carbon footprint.”Build Our Bypass community group member Steve Voller said: “This is fantastic news for Banwell residents and anyone who suffers from the increasing congestion and delays trying to get through the village.“New footpaths, cycle ways and horse-riding tracks make this a scheme not just a road. We’re really excited by the news and are now looking forward to work getting started.”Like what you’ve read?