Project information
About the project
Type of application: Highways
Name of applicant: Highways England
The proposed scheme is to provide a continuous dual carriageway on the A303 linking the Podimore Bypass and the Sparkford Bypass. The scheme will involve the removal of at-grade junctions and direct accesses. Any new junctions will be constructed to grade separated standards, or to compact grade separated standards depending upon anticipated traffic flows. The route follows the existing corridor of the A303 very closely. It is generally considered to be an online solution although is often deliberately aligned just to the side of the existing carriageway in order to allow re-use of the existing route for local access, avoid property or facilitate construction. At its maximum offset the route is typically 100m either north or south of the existing A303.
View the developer's websiteProject stage
This project is at the post-decision stage.
This application was granted on 29 January 2021.
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Pre-application
This is where the applicant starts to create their application. The applicant is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. They must also create detailed documents about the impact the project could have on the environment.
It is important to get involved at this stage to influence the application before the applicant sends it to the Planning Inspectorate.
Find out what you can do at this stage and check our detailed guides. - Completed
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Acceptance
This is when the applicant sends us their application documents. We check if we can accept the application for examination. We have 28 days to make this decision.
How the acceptance stage works and what happens next. - Completed
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Pre-examination
The Examining Authority is appointed and is made up of one or more inspectors. Anyone who wants to have their say needs to register at this stage.
The applicant must publish that the application has been accepted by us. They include when and how parties can register to get involved. The time period for registering is set by the applicant but must be no less than 28 days.
The pre-examination stage usually takes about 3 months.
What happens during the pre-examination stage. - Completed
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Examination
The Examining Authority will ask questions about the proposed development. The applicant and anyone who has registered to have their say can get involved and submit comments at each deadline in the timetable. You can also attend hearings that may take place. This stage takes up to 6 months.
What happens at the examination stage? - Completed
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Recommendation
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the relevant Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of examination stage.
Making a recommendation. - Completed
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Decision
The decision stage is when the relevant Secretary of State then reviews the report and makes the final decision. They have 3 months to make a decision.
Who makes the final decision. - Completed
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What happens after the decision is made
Once the Secretary of State has made a decision, there is a 6 week period where people can challenge the decision in the high court. This is called a judicial review.
What you can do after the decision has been made.
Project location
Between the Podimore Bypass and Sparkford Bypass
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Contact us
Telephone
If you have an interested party number, have it with you when you call.
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except bank holidays)
NIEnquiries@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
When writing an email, quote the name of the project in the subject line.
We aim to respond within 10 working days.
Alternative formats
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