Decision details

The A27 Chichester Improvement is a committed scheme in the Government’s Roads Programme. Highways England have been undertaking work to review a range of potential options to improve the A27 junctions between Fishbourne Road and Portfield Way. They are planning to undertake full public consultation on the options in Summer 2016, during which the local public and wider communities will be able to give their views. Announcement of the preferred route is currently expected in Autumn 2016.

The Cabinet report will seek an agreed Council response to the Highways England consultation.

(Recommendation to Council)

Reporting of this matter is dependent upon the date of the consultation by Highways England.

RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL

That the Council:

(1)  Agrees the overall conclusions of the report set out in paragraphs 5.27 to 5.29, providing qualified support for Option 2, based on the information published by Highways England at this stage.

(2)  Approves the comments set out in Appendix 3 (including the Annex) for submission as Chichester District Council’s formal response to the Highways England consultation on options for the A27 Chichester Bypass Improvement Scheme.

(3)  Advises Highways England that Chichester District Council is only minded to support Option 2 provided that Highways England gives serious consideration to the following:

i.                 Strategic improvements to the Portfield roundabout to increase east-west capacity, possibly including an eastbound flyover for cars and light vans only using the A27;

ii.                The provision of good access for traffic going from the B2145 to the east of Chichester without impeding through east-west traffic (possibly by a slip road from the Whyke Road  flyover down to the A27 or a right turn from the flyover down to the A27);

iii.              The reduction of the length of the Stockbridge Link Road, either to only a section from the A286 to the Fishbourne roundabout or to the two sections from the B2201 via the A286 to the Fishbourne roundabout;

iv.              The provision of safe, segregated crossings of the A27 for cyclists and pedestrians at the Bognor Road, Whyke Road and Stockbridge Road junctions;

v.               The installation of noise abatement screens on the flyovers;

vi.              The examination of the scope for lowering the roundabouts and flyovers at the Bognor Road and especially Fishbourne junctions;

vii.            The use of Highways England’s Designated Fund to finance the mitigation measures listed above.

(4)  Gives delegated authority to the Head of Planning Services to make any consequential amendments to Appendix 3 in agreement with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing.