LETTER: Objecting to access for site

It may seem unusual for an environmental organisation like ours, the South Downs Society '“ the 'Friends' group for the South Downs National Park, to focus attention on the need for a new road link but that's our strong plea in connection with the current planning application for up to 750 houses on the west side of Chichester, described as 'West Of Centurion Way And West Of Old Broyle Road'.

We campaigned against the loss of this site for new housing but we lost – it’s now allocated for development. But, if and when Chichester District Council agree a scheme for the site, it shouldn’t be allowed to proceed without a satisfactory highway access, and that’s what is in real danger of happening.

The current application seeks permission to access the site from a new roundabout junction with the B2178 Old Broyle Road, with the general intention that at some unspecified time it will be possible to link the development to the A27 to the south.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, the traffic generated by the new development will head in a variety of unsatisfactory directions, including through the national park.

The South Downs Society has submitted its objection to the planning application on this basis and we would invite others to join us. The District Council has a duty in law to demonstrate that it is taking the national park into consideration whenever it makes decisions – it must show that awareness now.

Steve Ankers

Policy Officer

South Downs Society