Options put forward by the Build a Better A27 group to improve the A27 have been rejected by Highways England it has been announced today.
Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and Chichester MP, Gillian Keegan, all met with Highways England to discuss the two concept schemes that have been developed and put forward by the Build a Better A27 group.
The Build a Better A27 group consists of Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, Chichester MP Gillian Keegan, local residents and local businesses. The groups aim is to bring everyone together to identify improvements for the A27 that are in the best interests of local residents and businesses.
“We are extremely disappointed with the response that we received from Highways England,” says Cllr Tony Dignum, Leader of Chichester District Council.
“This was a great opportunity to consider alternative options that would help resolve the traffic problems faced by residents, businesses and visitors. However, Highways England has said that the two concepts that our communities have developed – one which was for a northern route (the council’s preferred option) and one which was for a revised southern on-line route - are not affordable or workable.
“We are determined to continue to campaign for a better A27. We need to see Highways England’s formal response and understand the detail regarding this feedback and will be meeting with West Sussex County Council and Chichester MP, Gillian Keegan in the New Year to discuss our next steps. Without a Government funded scheme, Highways England will need to progress the improvements to the A27 that are outlined within the current Local Plan and these improvements are required solely to offset the traffic impacts of the new housing included in the Plan.
“We are really grateful for the effort that our local communities have put into this process to date and we would like to thank them for this. What’s important is that we all continue to work together to fight for the best possible solutions for our local communities.”
