An idyllic village destroyed by congestion has finally been given a verdict on a bypass plan after a 100-year wait.
Contractors have finally been given the green light to begin constructing a bypass around the congested village of Banwell in North Somerset.
The idea of a bypass for Banwell was first proposed back in 1927.
Now, North Somerset Council has voted in favor of issuing a notice to proceed to contractors Galliford Try, allowing them to move forward with the construction.
The idea of a bypass for Banwell was first proposed back in 1927
NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL
Steve Bridger, the former council leader, commended those involved in the project, saying: "It has been a really tough gig."
He added: "Everything has been thrown at them and they have dealt with it fantastically well. I am really chuffed we have reached this stage and we are going to do it."
Banwell has long struggled with heavy traffic, as two A-roads funnel vehicles into the village, which eventually narrows to a single-lane route.
Mark Canniford, the council's executive member, expressed hope that the bypass would be completed by 2027.
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This would mark exactly a century since the bypass was first proposed in 1927.
"Galliford Try have been active on the site up to this stage and done all the environmental works and are now ready to progress to that stage to construct,” Canniford said.
He added: "With permission from this council and support for this motion ... we will move to that stage and get this bypass open by 2027 with a good wind behind us."
Although the project was approved in 2023, it has faced significant delays.
Banwell has long struggled with heavy traffic, as two A-roads funnel vehicles into the village, which eventually narrows to a single-lane route
NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL
Originally set to cost £66million, fully-funded by the Government body Homes England, the cost has now escalated to £105.14million after setbacks, including the original contractor - Alun Griffiths Contracters Ltd - pulling out last year.
Cllr Mike Bell said at the time: "Alun Griffiths joined the bypass team in 2021, so it is incredibly frustrating for them to pull out without warning just as they were getting spades in the ground."
"This is unexpected and unprecedented news and we feel both let down and disappointed, as I'm sure many residents will too."
