Consultation on Kingskerswell Road improvements

A public consultation on proposals to improve Kingskerswell Road between Newton Abbot and Kingskerswell is underway.

Decoy Industrial Estate, which is currently home to 25 businesses, is planned to expand to create around 500 new jobs.

Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council are proposing the £2.6 million upgrade of the road in order to accommodate the potential extra traffic and the authorities will be consulting on the proposals until Friday 28 February.

Kingskerswell Road is currently the main access to Decoy Industrial Estate from the A380, but it has a number of narrow sections and no footway. The alternative route through a residential area along Keyberry Road passes under a railway bridge.

The planned improvements involve the widening and realignment of the existing road and provision of traffic lights at the bridge over the rail line to enable more commercial traffic to use Kingskerswell Road and reduce the amount of industrial estate traffic on Keyberry Road.

The scheme, which has attracted £1.8 million of Department for Transport Local Pinch Point funding, also includes a new shared pedestrian and cycle route as part of wider improvements.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The expansion of the industrial estate will be vital for the local economy and will generate additional jobs in the area. The infrastructure has to be improved in order to enable this growth. Neither of the current routes to the Industrial Estate are adequate to cope with an increase in commercial traffic which is expected as a result of the expansion. This consultation is an opportunity for the local community to get involved in development of these proposals by providing us with their views.”

Councillor Stuart Barker, Deputy Leader of Teignbridge District Council, said: “The scheme will unlock growth even further, bringing more jobs and prosperity to Teignbridge. It also enables Teignbridge District Council to extend the land available for economic development. For too long now motorists and large vehicles have been using the narrow lanes of Decoy and I am sure local residents are keen to see this road scheme get moving. It’s important people get involved with the consultation and tell us what they think. It’s a golden opportunity to shape the plans even further.”

Councillor Gordon Hook, local County Councillor for Newton Abbot South, said: “Consultation is always welcome. If the new road means that traffic along Keyberry Road and Decoy Road is reduced it will be very welcome by local residents, and I remain optimistic that the walking and cycle route to the industrial estate will link to a route along Aller Brook to encourage alternative forms of travel. It is also vital, as part of the extension of the industrial estate itself, that work is required on providing additional parking which is currently a major problem.”

Councillor Alistair Dewhirst, local County Councillor for Teignbridge South, said: “I am pleased to see that this new road scheme is coming forward for public consultation. It will, I am sure, make a dramatic improvement for pedestrians and cyclists who currently have to take their life in their hands in this narrow and dangerous stretch of road. It will also assist in helping the Decoy Industrial Estate expand and create a possible 500 extra jobs – great for Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot and Teignbridge. I am sure that Kingskerswell will welcome this new road and the promise of new employment opportunities.”

More information, including scheme plans, will be available at: www.devon.gov.uk/decoy-access from Monday 17 February and plans will also be on display at the Teignbridge District Council Offices at Forde House.

Comments or questions on the consultation should be emailed to: transportplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk. Alternatively call 01392 382805 or write to: Transport Planning, AB2 Lucombe House, County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QD.