Promise of relief road for North Bersted

The Bognor Regis northern relief road has been long awaited, and developers hope it will ease the traffic congestion on the A259.

Work on the bypass will start in April 2011, and at the development’s official opening a hope that it would be completed within 12 months was expressed.

Vice-chairman of Arun District Council Dennis Wilde cut the ribbon of the 434-home development.

Speaking at the celebration he said: “It is a very exciting development, and it has a lot of potential, and at Arun we think this is a very major new step in housing development.

“The new homes will benefit the area, and I am pleased work on the relief road will shortly begin.”

Formerly farm land, the site received planning permission for residential homes in December 2006, and work on the development started in October 2009.

Architect Alex Russell said: “I took my inspiration for the homes from the style of architecture that has evolved in the late 19th and early 20th century as this style is particularly prevalent in Sussex.

“In addition I have hoped to create a synthetic form of architectural design that will enhance the street character and scene.

“It is clean and crisp and will add to the area.”

The development is split into phases and completion of the work is expected within the next four years.

This first phase included two, three and four-bedroomed, detached, semi-detached and terraced homes fittingly named after Sussex towns, villages and cities.

Berkeley Southern sales and marketing director Pippa Bugby said: “On the opening weekend we had more than 200 people in two days visiting the site and they were extremely impressed by the quality of our finish.

“We have also taken our first reservations and the first people will be moving into their new homes in a few weeks.”

She added: “We hope the homes will be a joy and pleasure to live in and will set the standard for the area.”

As part of the 39-hectare development, there will also be three sports pitches which will have changing facilities, a community hall and play parks, and there are options for a school and a health centre.

Last week developer Berkeley Homes (Southern Ltd) asked for planning permission to build 106 more homes on Chichester Road site. The company unveiled plans for the extra units in March.