The Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, has confirmed it will invest £65 million to ensure completion of the A1331 link road in north Essex.

Phase One is currently under construction and the full road, once complete, will connect the A133 to the A120 and unlock the 7,750 homes being planned as part of the Tendring-Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC).

Homes England’s investment will be match funded by a £21 million contribution by the Garden Community developer, Latimer, who has been closely working with Tendring, Colchester and Essex councils to submit a business case for the funding to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. Phase One of the new A1331 has seen the creation of a new roundabout on the A133, and just over one mile of dual carriageway, connecting two new roundabouts, which will provide accesses into the new community.

Phase Two will extend the route to a new junction on the A120, providing quick and easy access from the Garden Community.

The new road, once complete, will complement the Rapid Transit System (RTS) which is currently being developed in Colchester. The RTS will bring significant transport improvements to the area including new segregated bus lanes, upgraded junctions, and improved pedestrian and cycle crossings to support sustainable travel.

The RTS will also support a new Park and Choose facility within the Garden Community, linking to the existing Park and Ride to the north of Colchester via the city centre, the mainline rail station and the hospital.

While the A1331 link road is being completed, it is expected that the planning application for the housing growth being proposed for the TCBGC will be submitted.

Taking an ‘infrastructure first’ approach ensures that vital connections and transport routes are already in place for new residents, and existing residents of Colchester and Tendring can take advantage of improved travel options in the area.

At its March meeting Essex County Council’s Cabinet is due to formally agree to accept the additional grant funding from Homes England for the next phase of the link road.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth, said: “Delivering infrastructure first is a principle Essex County Council is proud to stand by, and the A1331 link road is a clear example of that commitment in action. We have a strong track record of bringing major projects forward on time and on budget, and the next phase of the A1331 link road will be no exception.

“The confirmation of funding means we can continue to deliver the essential roads and transport connections that will benefit existing residents, while enabling the wider Garden Community to develop in a planned and sustainable way."

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, and Chair of the TCBGC Joint Committee, said: “The Government’s investment in the next phase of the A1331 link road is a vital milestone that will help unlock around 7,750 new homes proposed for the Tendring-Colchester Borders Garden Community.

“By building much needed infrastructure first we are ensuring that existing residents can benefit from better connectivity and the new garden community, once built will unlock economic growth and prosperity.”

Once ECC accepts the £65 million grant funding, a contractor will be procured, with works beginning in 2027 to allow for the projected completion of the Link Road in 2030.

Issued on behalf Essex County Council