Chancellor confirms Moor Farm upgrade is 'being properly considered' by Government
The Chancellor has confirmed that long-awaited upgrades to a Northumberland roundabout are being ‘properly considered’ by officials.
The planned project on the A19 at Moor Farm had previously been deemed as ‘poor value for money’ by Government officials.
However, following changes to the way in which the viability of projects is assessed, Rachel Reeves confirmed in the House of Commons that the upgrade is under consideration for inclusion in the road investment strategy.
The Chancellor made the announcement following questions from Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody.
She said: “I have been campaigning for improvements to the Moor Farm roundabout, which is currently holding back growth across the North East and causing misery to local people on a daily basis.
“The Government have rightly taken steps to ensure that my region gets its fair share of investment through changes to the Green Book and place-based business cases, but will the Chancellor meet me ahead of the road investment strategy to ensure that we finally get this long overdue investment in a critical piece of North East infrastructure?”
Plans to improve the roundabout have been in the works for some time, following similar projects at other roundabouts on the A19 including Testos and Silverlink. As well as significant congestion at peak times, there have also been a number of accidents.
Traffic problems are so significant that National Highways has a holding objection in place to planning applications in the area, fearing they could exacerbate the issue.
Ms Foody, along with Northumberland county councillors, has previously warned that some businesses haven’t even submitted applications due to the holding objection.
Responding to Ms Foody’s comments, the Chancellor said: “My Honourable Friend has been a tireless campaigner for the Moor Farm roundabout, which holds back both commuters and businesses, and therefore both growth and prosperity. I will continue to work with her on this.
“I know that the roundabout is now being properly considered for inclusion in the road investment strategy and I would be happy to meet her to discuss that further.”
Changes to the Government’s ‘Green Book’ test, which is used by the Treasury to assess the financial viability of infrastructure projects, have boosted optimism that the project may finally get the green light.
Among the changes included updated guidance on the role of the benefit-cost ration, meaning it is now just one metric among many others. It means a project with a BCR of less than one could still be improved if it demonstrates strong, non-financial benefits or aligns with the Government’s strategic objectives.
Following the exchange, Ms Foody added: “For too long the formulas Government use to make decisions on investment have meant the odds have been stacked against us. Local people and businesses know all too well the impact that congestion at Moor Farm roundabout has on their daily lives and on the wider economy of the North East.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure. It is encouraging to hear that it with changes the Government has made to the Green Book mean that it is now being properly considered as part of the road investment strategy.
“I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to meet with me, and I will continue pushing to ensure we finally see the investment our area deserves.”