Decision details

That Cabinet:

a)        note the current position regarding the A46 Newark Bypass, including the Development Consent Order approval, the scheme’s inclusion within Road Investment Strategy 3 (2026–2031) in March 2026, and the recent uncertainty following the cancellation of the Skanska contract and Department for Transport letter of 30 June 2026 reproduced at Appendix A;

b)       strongly reaffirm the Council’s support for the earliest possible delivery of the A46 Newark Bypass as nationally important infrastructure;

c)        strongly support that the Council should continue to work with partners, coordinated through the East Midlands Combined County Authority, including East Midlands Councils/Transport for the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, local Members of Parliament and regional business partners, to lobby Government for the scheme to be delivered as soon as possible within the RIS3 period;

d)       delegates authority to the Leader of the Council and Director – Planning and Growth to finalise and submit any letters, consultation responses or joint representations required to support delivery of the scheme in accordance with recommendations b) and c) above; and

e)        notes that officers will continue to keep under review the local implications of any delay, particularly for the Newark Urban Area, the ongoing work for the new Local Plan, and the Council’s land and property interests at the Newark Lorry Park.