HIGHWAYS England has helped ensure ambitious plans for J25 are given the green light with £4million worth of funding.

The scheme on the M5 junction for Taunton, will improve traffic flow and create benefits to the road network.

If planning is approved, it is expected that improvements will start in the summer of 2018.

The announcement was made by the Highways Agency today, and will unlock a 35-hectare development site.

The agency says this has the potential to deliver up to 2,400 job.

Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council have both welcomed the news.

Cllr David Fothergill, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Somerset County Council said: “This announcement is great news for Somerset and a huge boost for the County town.

"Somerset County Council has worked tirelessly with Highways England to secure this £4million funding, which provides the last piece of the funding package necessary to take this scheme forward.

“Improvements will not only ensure the motorway junction is fit for the town’s future growth, but will also unlock access to a new employment site potentially attracting new businesses to the area guaranteed to benefit Taunton, Somerset and beyond.”

Cllr John Williams, leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, also welcomed the announcement saying: “This is further excellent news and a vote of confidence in the newly designated Garden Town.

”We have ambitious plans for Taunton, particularly at J25 where we are proposing to create a major employment site to boost our economy and create thousands of new jobs.

“This funding demonstrates that Taunton’s already first class road and rail connections are about to get even better, making us a great place to invest and do business.”

The Junction 25 M5 improvements will be delivered by Somerset County Council and supported by private sector contributions, funding from Taunton Deane Borough Council and the Heart of South West LEP Local Growth Fund in addition to the Highways England funding.

The scheme is one which Highways England has contributed to as part of its Growth and Housing Fund.

The £100 million Fund was set up as part of the government’s £15 billion investment in roads.

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive, said: “As the improvements we’re announcing show, England’s strategic road network is vital for economic success by connecting businesses and people and supporting the Government’s agenda of employment and growth.

“The improvements are essential to accommodate the extra journeys the developments will create, and we will continue to use our Growth and Housing Fund to unlock further development sites around the country.”