Necessity of building M20 junction 10a questioned

Questions as to whether Ashford needs another junction off the M20 have been raised.

Speaking at a special planning meeting held by Ashford Borough Council last week, Brian Roberts, a local resident, said he had “profound doubts” over the proposed new junction 10a.

He said: “I do not believe any protracted models can flag up a need for a new junction.”

He added other areas are probably more in need, and said: “If a new junction is not for traffic, then why is it being proposed?”

Mr Roberts asked if it was purely for “development reasons”, and questioned if there was an understanding behind developers and Highways England, who are behind the scheme.

A new junction for the town, designed to relieve some of the pressure on the existing junction 10, has been on the cards for more than a decade.

Construction would include a new roundabout over the motorway located 700m south east of the existing junction 10 and a new dual carriageway link road from the new roundabout to the A2070.

It would also see the removal of the east-bound slip roads at junction 10.

However, Cllr Jim Wedgbury, ward member for Park Farm, said the “whole scheme will fail” if these are taken out.

“We need on and off slip roads at both junctions,” he said. “Return the junction 10 slip roads otherwise it won’t work.”

The councillor however didn’t sound optimistic that his sugges- tion would be considered, adding: “We are only consultees. Highways England can in effect do what they want.”

Junction 10a has been identified as a nationally significant infrastructure project, and as a result will be subject to six stages in the development process.

The first stage, the pre-application stage, which required Highways England to carry out a public consultation, ends today.

The next step is to formally submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).

If all is approved, construction of the £82 million scheme could take up to 18 months.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Cllr Jim Wedgbury