🚧 A133-A120 Link Road

• Funding Shortfall for A133-A120 Link Road: The debate focused on the need for additional government funding for phase 2 of the A133-A120 link road in Essex. The original £99.9 million grant from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) in 2020 now falls short by £50 to £60 million due to increased costs from factors like inflation and the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Importance of the Link Road: Completion of the A133-A120 link road is crucial for the Tendring Colchester Borders garden community project, which plans to build 7,500 new homes. Without the road, traffic congestion would ruin the development’s viability, making the new homes unsaleable.

• Infrastructure First Principle: Sir Bernard Jenkin emphasized the importance of the “infrastructure first” principle, warning that starting the housing development without a completed road could lead to stalled construction and increased traffic issues.

• Government’s Position: The Minister acknowledged the funding shortfall but stated that the existing local road network could support 5,000 of the planned homes. The government remains committed to finding ways to fund the second phase of the link road, including ongoing engagement with Homes England and local partners.

• Concerns Over Funding Sources: Debate participants expressed concern that using Section 106 funds, typically allocated for local infrastructure, to complete the A133-A120 road—a national infrastructure project—might compromise other essential community services.

• Broader Housing and Infrastructure Context: The government highlighted the HIF’s role in unlocking 260,000 homes across the country and emphasized their commitment to the overall housing target of 1.5 million homes. The Tendring project is part of this larger initiative.

• Continued Dialogue: The Minister committed to ongoing discussions with local MPs and stakeholders to address the project’s challenges and ensure the successful completion of the development, including the critical link road.

The parliamentary session on the A133-A120 link road displayed a moderate level of disagreement among participants, warranting a rating of 3 out of 5. The primary source of contention centered on the funding and viability of phase 2 of the road project, with varying perspectives on its necessity and funding sources. Below are key examples and explanations of the disagreements observed during the session:

1. Funding Disagreement: Sir Bernard Jenkin consistently pushed for central government funding to cover the shortfall needed to complete phase 2 of the link road, emphasizing the shortfall of £50 to £60 million due to inflation and other factors. He argued that section 106 funding, intended for local infrastructure, should not be used for what he considers a major piece of national infrastructure (A road). Conversely, Minister Rushanara Ali explained that the government had already allocated £99.9 million for the project and is working to secure further funding for phase 2 through public and private partnerships, indicating a less direct commitment than Jenkin anticipated.

   Example: - Sir Bernard Jenkin: “I therefore ask the Minister…to top up the housing infrastructure fund grant so that it covers 100% of the cost, as originally intended.” - Rushanara Ali: “Due to the escalation of the costs…it is no longer possible to construct the entire link road with the funding available.”

2. Viability and Infrastructure First Principle: There was a disagreement on the project’s viability without the completion of phase 2. Jenkin stressed that building homes without the necessary road infrastructure would be irresponsible and potentially lead to stalled development. He supported the ‘infrastructure first’ principle, a sentiment echoed by Marie Goldman (LD), who brought in another example from the A12 widening scheme to reinforce the need for pre-existing infrastructure. Conversely, the Minister claimed that the existing road network would be sufficient to support 5,000 homes, though Jenkin strongly disagreed with this assessment.

   Example: - Sir Bernard Jenkin: “If the promised 7,500 new homes are not built because phase 2 of the A1331 is not completed…the new garden community will be started and then stalled.” - Rushanara Ali: “The existing local road network is sufficient to support 5,000 homes in the garden community.”

3. Section 106 Funding and Local Infrastructure: Jenkin expressed concerns that using section 106 money for the road would divert funds from other essential local infrastructure, questioning the viability of the overall development if such reallocations occurred. The Minister, on the other hand, emphasized ongoing efforts and support for the project, indicating that various funding strategies were being explored to manage the costs effectively.

   Example: - Sir Bernard Jenkin: “Section 106 funding should be for local infrastructure, not for national infrastructure such as this proposed new A road.” - Rushanara Ali: “Both Essex county council and the housing developer, Latimer, have committed to use reasonable endeavours to procure delivery of phase 2.”

Overall, the disagreements were significant but dealt with primarily through factual assertions and policy concerns, rather than personal attacks or heated exchanges. The participants expressed differing views on funding and project viability, indicating a moderate level of contention within the session.