Essex transport projects seek Government funding of £546m
Three major transport projects in Essex could receive fund of £546 million after being proposed by Essex County Council in its bids to the Government Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).
Essex County Council is bidding for money to help pay for a range of road and transport infrastructure improvements that will unlock key sites for housing and employment growth.
In the next twenty years there will be a need for over 180,000 new homes in Greater Essex alone. It is vital that infrastructure in the county and the surrounding areas can keep pace with this growth.
The three bids, which are supported by district and borough councils and MPs are: Chelmsford North East Bypass and Beaulieu Railway Station at a cost of £218 million, North Essex, economic and housing growth, A12 improvements at £229 million and the A120/A133 Link Road and Rapid Transit System at £99 million.
A further bid, led by Hertfordshire County Council with the support of Essex County Council, is seeking transport funding to support a new town on the border of the two counties.
David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council said ' Housing is one of the biggest issues the nation faces and how we provide homes for the next generation is a challenge that we cannot avoid. However, simply building new housing estates is not the answer. We must build the right homes, in the right locations, with the right infrastructure, if we are to create real communities and inspire economic growth. Essex is leading the way on housing and these bids are testament to our future commitment.'