A27 red tape costing jobs

The criticism comes after the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) cited the A27 as one of 16 projects in its Get Britain Moving campaign that have spent a combined total of over 80 years tied up in planning consultations.

The BCC claims that the planning system needs to be reformed if planning decisions are to be made in the name of long term economic needs, bringing much-needed jobs and investment to communities cut adrift by crumbling transport links.

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert said: "It's costing jobs and economic opportunity.

"It's very short-sighted. It's a classic example of the Government's short-termness and lack of interest in the south east which is the power house of the British economy.

"How can we ever possibly consider downgrading our hospitals and make people travel further in ambulances when the A27 is not a coastal highway? It's a coastal car park."

For the full story, see the West Sussex Gazette's August 15 edition.