The Secretary of State for Transport has granted development consent for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme.

The approved scheme will see the construction of a new all-movements junction at Junction 10, which will provide access in all directions on and off the motorway.

The scheme includes a new link road connecting the A4019 to the B4634 in west Cheltenham and widening the A4019 Tewkesbury Road, as well as new active travel facilities and flood mitigation measures.

The improvements are designed to unlock access to planned housing and employment development sites in the west and north of Cheltenham, including Elms Park, which has approved last week. At Cheltenham Borough Council's Planning Committee meeting, councillors expressed concern that the development wouldn't be viable without the improvements to Junction 10.

The scheme will also increase capacity and improve connectivity in west and north-west Cheltenham, making the road network more resilient and sustainable for the future.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This is a landmark moment for Gloucestershire and a vital milestone for this nationally significant project. We're delighted that the Secretary of State recognises the importance of this scheme to the county's future.

"The improvements will not only unlock vital growth opportunities, including thousands of new homes and jobs, they will also ease congestion and enhance safety. We can now look to finalise developer contributions to the scheme and move forward with delivering the infrastructure our communities and businesses need."

The scheme is being funded by UK Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England, with contributions from developers whose sites will benefit from the infrastructure.

Gloucestershire County Council is leading delivery of the scheme, in collaboration with National Highways and other partners.

Becky Marshall, National Highways senior project manager, said: "We welcome the Secretary of State for Transport's decision to grant planning consent to Gloucestershire County Council for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. This scheme will create smoother and safer journeys for all and improve travel times in the area.

"It will also unlock housing and business development opportunities, as well as improving access to and from the motorway for emergency services. We'll now continue to work closely with the county council as they begin preparations to start construction."

The public will be able to find out more at information events, which will be arranged shortly and held in the summer.

● Preparation works will begin this summer to enable the start of scheme construction from spring 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028.