The Department for Transport has awarded Devon County Council £1.3 million to develop the next stage of proposals for improvements to M5 Junction 28. The proposed scheme would include a new bridge and south-facing slip roads south of the existing Junction 28. The proposed second junction is intended to reduce pressure on the existing Junction 28 while supporting planned development at Culm Garden Village and north-west Cullompton. Cllr James Buczkowski, Devon County Council member for Cullompton and cabinet member for finance, said: "This is really positive news for Cullompton. Anyone who lives in or travels through the town knows how much congestion around Junction 28 affects everyday life.