The long-running Pixham Ferry Lane project has once again come under scrutiny, following the release of new figures showing significant public spending – despite no construction work having started on site.
A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed the scale of costs already incurred, prompting renewed questions from residents about whether the project will ever be delivered.
What the FOI Response Shows
In response to an FOI request submitted in December 2025, Kempsey Parish Council confirmed that, as of January 2026, a total of £84,771.53 has been paid solely in architects’ fees for the Pixham Ferry Lane project FOI RESPONSE – Architects Costs….
This figure relates only to professional design and consultancy costs and does not include:
- Construction or groundworks
- Materials or contractor fees
- Planning application costs
- Ongoing project management or future delivery costs
In other words, nearly £85,000 of public money has been spent before a single spade has gone into the ground.
Where the Project Stands Now
Despite years of discussion and development work, the Pixham Ferry Lane project has yet to progress beyond the design and planning stages. Residents are still waiting for:
- A confirmed construction timeline
- Finalised plans submitted and approved
- Clarity on total projected costs
- Assurance that funding is secured for delivery, not just design
At present, there is no publicly confirmed start date for construction.
A Growing Concern for Residents
For many in Kempsey, the concern is no longer about the idea of the project itself, but about value for money and accountability.
Questions being raised locally include:
- How did costs escalate to this level without delivery?
- Why has so much been spent before planning and build certainty?
- What safeguards are in place to prevent further sunk costs?
- At what point is the project reviewed, paused, or reconsidered?
These are reasonable questions when public funds are involved.
Is the Project Still Viable?
The FOI disclosure does not confirm whether the Pixham Ferry Lane project will proceed – only how much has already been spent. Whether the scheme is ultimately delivered, redesigned, or abandoned remains unclear.
What is clear is that any future decision will need to account for:
- The substantial investment already made
- The confidence of residents and taxpayers
- The need for transparency around next steps
What Happens Next?
Kempsey.co.uk will continue to monitor:
- Further FOI disclosures
- Parish Council updates and meeting minutes
- Any planning submissions or funding decisions
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, review published documents, and engage with Parish Council discussions to ensure future decisions are made openly and with full accountability.