THE business case for a ‘Kensey Valley Link Road’ scheme that would aim to reduce congestion in Launceston is to be revisited.

The news came from Cornwall Councillor Bert Biscoe, portfolio holder for transport, when answering a question from a fellow Cornwall Councillor at yesterday (Tuesday) morning’s meeting of Cornwall Council.

The link road scheme, that the town study by WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff said would run between the eastern end of the Newport Industrial Estate and Kensey Valley Road, has previously been consulted on.

Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin Adam Paynter said at last week’s town council meeting he felt it was ‘disappointing the town has missed out’ on the link road previously.

He added: “Officers are very aware of it. Us three [Launceston’s Cornwall Councillors] are badgering them to make sure Launceston does get its fair share.”

Cllr Biscoe was questioned about Launceston’s transport infrastructure at a meeting of Cornwall Council last Tuesday.

Conservative Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun Vivian Hall asked: “Can Cllr Biscoe explain why there is political will from this administration for road schemes across towns in other parts of Cornwall and nothing done about serious investment in Launceston, which is left without proper infrastructure and with traffic-flow problems, which are all too apparent?”

Cllr Biscoe said: “A considerable amount of engagement has taken place with Launceston Town Council, members and key stakeholders. The most recent meeting on February 8 presented the draft Launceston Transport Strategy. This aims to recognise the future growth opportunities of the town and addresses the impacts on the surrounding network. The plan includes a £1.4-million scheme to provide pedestrian bridges across the River Kensey. The council through LTP3, that’s the local transport plan, has committed £0.8-million, £800,000 to this, with the remainder subject to a forthcoming growth deal 3 bid.” — which provides funds for local projects.

“There are a number of other improvements to the local network that are proposed to address capacity issues and to improve walking and cycling that make the most of development contributions.

It was also proposed to revisit the business case for the Kensey Valley Link Road, he said.

There has been discussion in the past for a potential for a separate ‘loop’ road south of the town.

Cllr Biscoe added: “Cornwall Council recognises that there may be a need for a southern loop road at some point. The current cost of such a project would be in the region of £25-million.

“We do not anticipate such resources being available for such a scheme within the time period of the emergent local plan.

“It will remain under review as we roll forward the strategic planning process. In the meantime we will progress the schemes that have been consulted upon and for which funding has been realised, subject to a successful growth fund 3 bid.”