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Current highways projects

Howden Relief Road

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    Introduction

    The Scheme forms part of the Local Plan Update 2020-2039 which was adopted by the council in April 2025.

    The East Riding Local Plan Update is the name for the suite of planning documents that together provide the long term development plan for the East Riding. This means that they are the starting point for determining planning applications and guiding investment decisions. It replaced the Local Plan adopted in 2016.

    The plan covers the period 2020-2039 and contains planning policies to guide development decisions. It also allocates sites that will provide new housing and employment opportunities. The plan is made up of a Strategy Document Update and Allocations Document Update, accompanied by a Policies Map.

    Within the Local Plan an area to the north of Howden town centre, referred to as HOW-G, is allocated for mixed use development. In June 2023 developers J.G. Hatcliffe Property & Planning secured planning permission to develop the site, which will include a new relief road, 460,000sqft manufacturing facility for Howdens Joinery, over 1,800 new homes, community and sports facilities and commercial premises. The link road element of the scheme will be delivered as the first phase of the development.

    The application has been approved with a number of conditions on how the development is delivered.

    About the scheme

    Scheme details

    The How G development consists of the construction of a Relief Road from Thorpe Road to Station Road with drainage and landscaping, erection of an industrial unit with associated parking, strategic drainage, a residential development, community facilities including a supermarket, small retail units and small business/employment space, a medical centre, a public house and restaurant with accommodation, elderly care home accommodation, a two-form entry primary school, community park, car parks, sports pitches and pavilion, open space, a habitat area, drainage and landscaping which are all, with the exception of the relief road and industrial unit, currently reserved matters within a planning application (Ref:22/02118/STPLFE).

    The proposals have significant benefits for economic development and the increase of the provision of housing and local amenity.

    Overview of the relief road works

    The new road will be approximately a 1.7 km long between the B1228 Station Road and the A614 Thorpe Road.

    It is generally a 7.3 m width carriageway for the greater part of its length with 0.5m hard strips at the carriageway edge.

    There are 4 Roundabout junctions. (Numbered 1- 4 from west to east).Two, 60m diameter at each interface with Station Road and Thorpe Road (No’s 1&4) and the two internal roundabouts are 50m diameter (No’s 2&3) .

    Other important elements being the Link road to the Joinery site from the south of roundabout 3 There is a 3.5m combined cycle /footway routes flanking the carriageway on both sides.

    East Riding Council are also constructing a major part of the Strategic Drainage for the site with the construction of a new Pump station, attenuation lagoon and deep, large diameter surface water drain.

    Frequently asked questions

    Keeping residents informed about the project

    We update our project webpage and social media channels regularly with work progress, upcoming closures and scheme information.

    Regular newsletter updates will be sent out to subscribers.

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    If you have any further queries in relation to this scheme, please feel free to email us.

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    Working with the local community during the scheme

    The local community have been informed about the wider development and the inclusion of the Howden Relief Road through the planning application process. There have been several events where details of the scheme have been exhibited for wider appreciation and comment.

    Local representation has been made by the local Town Council and local East Riding Ward Member representatives, as well as business leaders and the statutory planning consultees.

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    Scheme details

    The How G development consists of the construction of a Relief Road from Thorpe Road to Station Road with drainage and landscaping, erection of an industrial unit with associated parking, strategic drainage, a residential development, community facilities including a supermarket, small retail units and small business/employment space, a medical centre, a public house and restaurant with accommodation, elderly care home accommodation, a two-form entry primary school, community park, car parks, sports pitches and pavilion, open space, a habitat area, drainage and landscaping which are all, with the exception of the relief road and industrial unit, currently reserved matters within a planning application (Ref:22/02118/STPLFE).

    The proposals have significant benefits for economic development and the increase of the provision of housing and local amenity.

    Overview of the Relief Road Works

    The new road will be approximately a 1.7 km long between the B1228 Station Road and the A614 Thorpe Road.

    It is generally a 7.3 m width carriageway for the greater part of its length with 0.5m hard strips at the carriageway edge.

    There are 4 Roundabout junctions. (Numbered 1- 4 from west to east).Two, 60m diameter at each interface with Station Road and Thorpe Road (No’s 1&4) and the two internal roundabouts are 50m diameter (No’s 2&3) .

    Other important elements being the Link road to the Joinery site from the south of roundabout 3 There is a 3.5m combined cycle /footway routes flanking the carriageway on both sides.

    East Riding Council are also constructing a major part of the Strategic Drainage for the site with the construction of a new Pump station, attenuation lagoon and deep, large diameter surface water drain.

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    What is the Howden Relief Road project?

    The Howden Relief Road is the first stage only of a major development project, known as HOW-G, that will occupy more than 100 hectares of land to the northeast of Howden. The HOW-G scheme will include several key elements:

    1. New road: a major new road, called the Howden Relief Road, linking the A614 Thorpe Road with Station Road, designed to help divert heavy traffic away from the town center.
    2. Housing development: support for a new urban extension with approximately 1,800 homes.
    3. Commercial and community facilities: including a supermarket, a medical center, and a primary school.
    4. Recreational spaces: sports pitches to promote physical activity and community engagement.
    5. Expansion of existing infrastructure: an extension to Howden's kitchen factory, boosting local employment and economic activity.

    Together, these elements will aim to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support the town's growth and development.

    Why is this Howden Relief Road scheme happening?

    The relief road is the initial phase of a broader development plan that includes building approximately 1,800 homes, a new supermarket, a medical centre, a primary school, and sports pitches.

    The main benefit of the relief road is that it will alleviate traffic congestion by diverting heavy traffic away from the town centre.

    The scheme aims to make the town centre safer by cutting down on traffic, which should reduce accidents. It will also ease congestion and improve the flow of vehicles, which will help lower carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability.

    The new road will provide a quicker route for drivers, improving overall accessibility and convenience.

    These combined efforts are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents and support the town's growth.

    What is the timeframe for the construction of the relief road?

    • Preparation works began in July, 2024.
    • Main construction is planned to start in Summer 2025.
    • Project duration is expected to take approximately 29 months to complete with an expected completion date of 2027.

    How much will the relief road scheme cost?

    The Howden Relief Road scheme is estimated to cost around £45 million. This includes for planning, design, project management, construction of the highway, construction of the drainage and some contingency. This funding is jointly provided by contributions from local housing developers and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council

    What are the benefits of the Howden Relief Road scheme?

    • Support for development: the scheme will provide much-needed housing and amenities, including a supermarket, a medical centre, a primary school, and sports pitches.
    • Economic growth: the relief road will help facilitate the expansion of Howden's kitchen factory and other commercial developments, boosting local employment and the economy.
    • Reduced traffic congestion: by diverting heavy traffic away from the town centre, the relief road will ease congestion, making daily commutes smoother for residents and visitors.
    • Improved safety: with less traffic in the town centre, the risk of accidents decreases, enhancing overall safety for pedestrians and drivers.
    • Environmental benefits: reducing congestion leads to lower carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
    • Improved quality of life: the new infrastructure and reduced traffic will enhance the overall quality of life for residents, making Howden a more attractive place to live and work.

    These benefits combine to create a more efficient, safe, and thriving community in Howden.

    What will the impact of the relief road scheme be on the environment?

    By reducing traffic congestion, the scheme is expected to lower carbon emissions from cars stuck in traffic. Less congestion and smoother traffic flow can lead to better air quality in the town centre.

    The project includes plans for open spaces and habitat areas, aiming to balance development with environmental conservation.

    The effect of the development has been considered by a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and the works do not have significant effect on the European classified sites in the area.

    While the scheme aims to bring many benefits, it’s important to manage any environmental impacts carefully to ensure it remains sustainable. An Ecological Design Strategy has been submitted to address the ecological challenges and opportunities for the site’s development.

    You can find details of the HRA, Shadow HRA, and the Ecological Design Strategy, along with other relevant documents, on the East Riding Planning Portal under Planning Reference 22/02118/STPLFE.

    The scheme will deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain which will result in an enhanced and improved natural habitat and environment from its existing status.

    What are you doing to protect the local environment during the relief road works?

    • Habitat creation: efforts are being made by the developer to create new habitats to compensate for any potential loss of wildlife areas.
    • Environmental monitoring: monitoring will be done to make sure construction activities doesn’t harm local wildlife, ecosystems or nearby areas.
    • Mitigation: systems are in place to mitigate any adverse effects on local wildlife, including species like bats, birds and badgers. Periodic inspections will be made to ensure compliance with legislation and any specified mitigation plan if necessary.
    • Sustainable practices: wherever possible, sustainable construction practices and materials will be used to reduce environmental impact.
    • Temporary measures: installation of temporary traffic lights and speed restrictions to manage traffic flow and reduce the impact on residents and wildlife during construction.

    How will the relief road plan affect residents and drivers?
    • Reduced congestion: the new road will divert heavy traffic away from the town centre, reducing congestion and making daily commutes smoother.
    • Improved safety: with less traffic in the town centre, the risk of accidents will decrease, enhancing overall safety for pedestrians and drivers.
    • Quicker routes: drivers will benefit from a new, quicker route, improving accessibility and convenience.
    • Enhanced quality of life: reduced traffic and improved infrastructure will contribute to a better quality of life for residents.
    • Construction disruptions: during the construction phase, there will be temporary traffic lights and speed restrictions which may cause some inconvenience to residents and drivers. Additionally, there will be potential noise, and dust. Conditions will be monitored to ensure that the impact is kept to a minimum and within acceptable limits.
    • Access issues: local properties and businesses may experience temporary access issues due to construction activities.

    Will there be road closures during the construction of the relief road?
    • Temporary traffic lights will be installed on the A614 Thorpe Road just south of the railway bridge during working hours.
    • A temporary 30mph speed limit will be introduced from Caville Bends to the town.
    • Initial preparation work includes creating access roads and a compound pavement to serve the main construction site.
    • Roads will need to be closed for a short time for some construction work. This will happen during off-peak hours and will be brief, with full notifications and diversion routes provided as needed.

    These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of both the construction workers and the public, as well as to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

    Details of programmed works affecting traffic on the highway can be viewed on the Causeway one.network website

    Will the relief road project increase noise for residents living close by to the scheme?

    During the construction phase, residents living close to the scheme can expect to experience noise from construction activities, including machinery, vehicles, and general construction work.

    This will be monitored to ensure it is not excessive and is within acceptable limits. Works will generally be within the hours of 7:30 am and 7:30pm. Work outside of these times will only be occasional.

    However, once the project is completed, the new road is designed to divert heavy traffic away from the town centre, which could potentially reduce overall noise levels in residential areas over time.

    Who is doing the relief road construction work?

    Preliminary enabling works, which began in July 2024, were undertaken by PBS Construction Ltd, a Hull-based company. They completed the initial preparations and will continue to support the main construction phase, set to commence in Summer 2025.

    The principal contractor for the Howden Relief Road is Aureos Rail Ltd, a Sheffield-based firm specialising in transportation infrastructure. The contract was tendered through the YORhub Major Civils Framework, administered by East Riding Council.

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