Somerset could benefit from £165m fund to unlock new homes

The Department for Transport (DfT) published its third road investment strategy (RIS3) on March 26, outlining major road projects which would be prioritised across England up to 2031.

No new Somerset projects will be funded during this five-year period - meaning that congestion on the M5, the A303 and other major roads will continue to be a regular occurrence for local motorists.

The government has now launched its growth and housing accelerator fund, which will provide £165m over the next five years to help deliver new homes near roads managed by National Highways (such as the M5 and A303).

Somerset Council has said it is "awaiting further details" of how the fund operates, and has not indicated which sites could potentially benefit.

The new fund will provide "flexible gap-funding for housing and employment sites" on or near the strategic road network, where "development viability is challenged" and no alternative funding can be found.

Eligible projects could include new junctions into housing sites, bypasses and relief roads, active travel connections and other relevant transport links.

The DfT said there would be "a deliberate focus on areas that have historically struggled to access the funding needed", including sites which have been delayed for significant periods of time.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander MP said: "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.

Heidi Alexander on Question Time (Image: BBC)

"It is a deliberate choice - and a signal that this government is serious about removing the barriers to growth."

Somerset has numerous housing developments at various stages of delivery along the M5 corridor - including the Isleport Grove site in Highbridge, the Folletts Farm site in Bridgwater, the Newton Road proposals in North Petherton and phase two of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension in Taunton.

A similar situation applies to the A303, with developments being planned on Broadway Hill in Horton (near Ilminster), Hainbury Farm in Ilchester and on High Street in Sparkford, to name but a few.

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.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed leaves following a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, London. (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)

"This is exactly the kind of targeted, practical action that will help us reach 1.5 million new homes and create thriving communities where people can put down roots."

National Highways (formerly Highways England) will invite local authorities to put forward developments for consideration in the coming weeks, with a rolling programme of funded schemes being published by early-2027.

Executive director Elliot Shaw said: "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 not confirmed which sites it would intend to unlock if it managed to secure a grant from this new fund.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the funding opportunity and are currently awaiting further details.

"Once this information is available, we will review and explore which opportunities to pursue for funding applications."