Full Breakdown
Derby A38 Road Project Halted After Prolonged Dispute Over Queensway Homes
8/13/2026, 10:04:34 PM
Project Pause and Resident Impact
In late June 2026 the government announced a pause to the A38 Derby Junctions scheme, leaving the future of fifteen homes on Queensway uncertain. Gail Roberts, the last resident on the street, had lived in the four-bedroom house since 2011 and spent two years renovating it with her husband. After a compulsory purchase order was issued in 2021, a two-year dispute over compensation ended with Roberts accepting £40,000 less than an independent valuation. She has multiple sclerosis; she collapsed in January 2023 and temporarily lost the use of her legs, and she says two neurologists linked her health decline to stress.
Background of the Compulsory Purchase
Roberts first learned of the A38 proposals in 2012. The Department for Transport later identified the A38 Derby Junctions and the A46 Newark Bypass as projects to be halted in order to free up up to £700 million for defence spending.
Official Statements & Responses
National Highways said the potential cancellation of the A38 scheme remained under consultation and that no final decision had yet been made, promising an update in due course. The Department for Transport explained that the pause was required to achieve the £700 million savings needed for defence priorities.
Criticism & Opposition
Claire Ward, a Labour MP, called the government’s decision “completely unacceptable.” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he would “not abandon the ambition” of the A38 project during a recent visit to Derbyshire, indicating continued support for the scheme despite the pause.
Verbatim Quote
- “I think the indecision is disgusting. How long can it go on like this?” — Gail Roberts
