New A27 Arundel Bypass "Environmentally Irresponsible" - Countryside Charity "Appalled"

CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Sussex has this morning reacted to the new plans for the A27 bypass at Arundel, calling it 'environmentally irresponsible'.

As previously reported by More Radio, Highways England have this morning (Thursday 15) announced plans for the new A27 bypass route.

The company said the grey option 5BV1 strikes the right balance between creating vital new road capacity and protecting the special environment and cultural heritage in and around Arundel.

The A27 at Arundel sees around 21,000 journeys made each day.

However, the Countryside Charity said it slices through 'miles of pristine countryside'.

CPRE Vice Sussex Chair, David Johnson said:

"The new road would cut through Binsted Valley, passing close to the village’s 12th Century church, natural wetlands and a rare chalk stream.

"CPRE Sussex is appalled at this decision.

"We know we are at a tipping point in terms of the climate and ecological emergencies so building a huge new road through and environmentally sensitive area is a regressive step."

“This unnecessary road is a new dual carriageway, trashing beautiful villages and countryside, and encouraging car use in a climate emergency - it is another example of central government diktats and the wrong algorithm.

“We need to innovate and problem solve if we are to repair the damage we are causing to the earth.”

CPRE believes Highways England’s piecemeal approach is deeply flawed and that building the new section of dual carriageways will actually worsen the free flow of traffic along the A27.

CPRE Sussex Director, Kia Trainor said:

“We are very concerned that the countryside is being sacrificed in order to move a traffic jam further along the A27.

"What we need is a more strategic approach to transport infrastructure – this is a grey choice not a green one.”