Housing plans set back as government cancels A12 improvements
The Government confirmed it was cancelling plans to widen the A12 on 8 July.
Essex County Council has expressed strong concerns that residents and businesses will bear the brunt of the Government’s decision yesterday to cancel the long-planned A12 widening scheme between Junctions 19 and 25.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander cancelled the long-awaited ÂŁ1.2b works planned for the road near Chelmsford, Essex on Tuesday 8 July, blaming it on a lack of funds.
The scheme, which had secured planning consent in early 2024 and overcame a legal challenge later that year, is vital to Essex’s strategic growth plans, says Essex council.
The council adds the move places "significant uncertainty" on major housing developments and Local Plan reviews across Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “This is a deeply disappointing and a very short sighted decision.
"The A12 is a critical corridor for Essex and the wider East of England.
"The widening scheme was not just about easing congestion — it was about unlocking thousands of homes, supporting business and economic growth, and delivering infrastructure led planning to Essex residents.
"Removing the funding for the upgrades will strangle the economic opportunities and kills off any prospect of dualling to the A120 too.”
“The Government must reconsider the wider impacts of this decision,” added Councillor McKinlay.
The council has worked closely with National Highways since 2016 to shape the scheme, which was expected to begin construction this year.
Its cancellation follows a broader review of major transport projects.
Essex council has said Local Planning Authorities across Essex are now forced to revisit technical assessments and delay Local Plan timetables.
"4,000 homes at Hammonds Farm east of Chelmsford and more than 3,000 homes being considered across a number of sites in Colchester are potentially affected."
The council also warns that the cancellation could reduce the delivery of affordable housing, as developers will be required to divert contributions to address impacts on the A12, which would lead to National Highways objections.
Public benefits of the full A12 scheme, including new walking and cycling provision across the trunk road at key junctions, may not be included in piecemeal upgrades.
In the announcement on Tuesday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander accused the previous Conservative government of promising infrastructure projects with "no plan to pay for them".
At the same time, the Government has reaffirmed funding for the Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package and Fairglen Interchange.