Supplementary Planning Document on the A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation

Chichester District Council is consulting residents on how to fund improvements to the A27 to support increases in traffic.  See www.chichester.gov.uk/currentplanningpolicyconsultations

The Proposal

National Highways has advised that to cope with the cumulative impact on the A27 of current and future development in the south of the district, improvements (mitigation measures) are needed to the Fishbourne and Bognor roundabouts. The estimated cost is £43.3 million.

In the absence of funding by central government, local funding of highways is found from contributions by developers. The District Council is holding £16.25 million secured from earlier developments. The balance of £27 million would be provided from new developments within the Local Plan in the period up to 2039 amounting to 3551 dwellings. The baseline for new development would be set at January 2023.

The average contribution from each dwelling, an increase on the rate set by the 2016 Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), would be £7623 on a sliding scale of £3,849 for a single bedroom to £12,197 for a four- bedroom dwelling.

Under the 2016 SPD, developer contributions varied between £1374 and £5914 per dwelling depending on how far the scheme was from the A27 bypass.

Under the proposed mitigation plan (see www.chichester.gov.uk/thelocalplantransport) there would be a priority route through each roundabout with feeder arms controlled by traffic lights. The work would take several years to complete.

Additionally, under the new SPD, to reduce car- based trips and relieve pressure on the highway, a Traffic and Infrastructure Management Group will develop measures to improve sustainable modes of transport such as buses and cycle routes.

 Alternatives considered

1. Rely on the 2016 SPD.

But this wouldn’t provide sufficient funding for the improvements to be made and would result in worse congestion not only on the A27 but on the highway network feeding it.

2. Wait until the new Local Plan is adopted before revising the 2016 SPD.

But as there is a cap on new development from January 2023, the delay would entail a further increase in developer contributions on homes permitted under the new Local Plan, to meet the shortfall.

What the Parish Council thinks

The Oving Parish Planning Committee meets on Thursday October 26 at 18:45 to determine its response.

Proposed walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure improvements

West Sussex County Council are working to improve walking, cycling and public transport networks across West Sussex. By encouraging more walking and cycling, particularly for shorter journeys such as trips to education, and improving public transport, we can help to create safer, more pleasant places in which to live, work and do business.

Underpinning our approach to improving the transport network within the county is the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022 – 2036 (opens in new window)(External link). It sets out how the County Council intends to address a number of challenges, including climate change, congestion, public health and road safety. It also identifies priorities for the Chichester area.

Two potential improvement schemes in Chichester are being developed as part of our Strategic Transport Investment Programme (STIP). The schemes are:

• A286 Oaklands Way Cycle Scheme
• A285 Chichester to Tangmere Sustainable Transport Corridor

These schemes were identified as they have the potential to provide off-road cycle facilities on routes that connect key education, employment, public transport, services and development sites. The schemes also have the potential to support routes identified by Chichester District Council in the Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (opens in new window)(External link). The A285 corridor scheme could also provide improved bus priority.

We’re now seeking initial views on the types of improvements needed in these locations. The comments we receive will help inform the development of more detailed proposals and enable us to seek future funding opportunities.

In response to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the County Council introduced a temporary ‘pop-up’ cycle lane along the A286 between Northgate Gyratory and New Park Road roundabout. We have listened to the feedback received about that scheme and intend to develop solutions that respond to the concerns raised at that time.

The initial engagement period will close on Sunday 30 April 2023 at 23:59.

To find out more and how to provide feedback, visit the link below:

Chichester Sustainable Transport Corridors | Your Voice West Sussex

NOTICE OF ELECTION
CHICHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL
4 MAY 2023

Notice of Election – District Wards

Chichester District Council “Supporting You” Campaign

Many people are finding things tough at the moment due to current cost of living pressures. Chichester District Council have launched a new ‘Supporting You’ campaign to highlight the range of help that you can access.

Find out more about the support that’s available to you.

To read more about the campaign have a look at this news article: New Supporting You Team Launches

Type: Construction of new Toucan Crossing, and associated 50mph speed limit.

Road: Drayton A259 (Chichester to Bognor Road) near Marsh Lane

Parish: Oving

Summary

Programme dates: 3^rd October – 16^th December 2022.

• On behalf of West Sussex County Council, Construction contractor Landbuild Ltd along with our Signals contractor Telent Ltd, will be undertaking road works to construct and install a new Signal Controlled ‘Toucan’ Crossing for use by cyclists and pedestrians, to replace the existing pedestrian refuge on the Strategic Cycle and Footpath Path Route along this part of the A259 near Marsh Lane.
• These works are being funded from the Department of Transport Active Travel Fund to help improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

In order to protect our workforce and the public:

Appropriate Traffic Management will remain in place until the works are complete. We will reduce traffic management as the works progress and if conditions allow. Hours of work are usually weekdays 7.30am-5.30pm, some night or weekend working might be necessary. Road works signing, barriers, cones, and from 19^th October temporary traffic-signals, will be in place.

Link to Frequently Asked Questions