STOP PRESS! EASY WAY TO OBJECT: Email planning@adur-worthing.gov.uk quoting planning application AWDM/0961/17. You must include your full name and address.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 2 NOVEMBER 2017 (OR LATER) WHEN THE SCHEME GOES TO COMMITTEE
New flyer here
A4 poster here
Please spread the word! Print and distribute if possible!
Why object?
The crossing over the A27 from the old Shoreham Toll Bridge to Coombes Road will be removed and the Old Shoreham Road junction will be permanently closed if the New Monks Farm proposals are approved!
The proposed alternative crossing for cyclists involves at least a 1km detour with four new sets of traffic lights over a new roundabout and an upgraded A27.
Off-road alternatives have not been agreed and might prove non-viable. Meanwhile this major development would go ahead.
The plans are out NOW for consultation on Adur and Worthing Council’s website. The deadline is 29 September 2017 extended to 2 November 2017. Use the easy method to object by email given at the top of this post.
You can also comment on the consultation here but you will need to register, log in and find planning reference number AWDM/0961/17
See this flyer Please distribute if you can! Some suggested points of objection are below. Please feel free to change or add your own:
- I object to the closure of the existing crossing from the Old Shoreham Road to Coombes Road at the Sussex Pad junction for cyclists, pedestrians and other non-car users.
- I object to the lengthy, inadequate and hazardous replacement for the existing crossing.
- If the existing crossing is removed, it must be replaced by a bridge or underpass which gives safe, direct access across the A27 from the Old Shoreham Road to Coombes Road for all non-motorised road-users. It must be usable in all weathers and at all times of day i.e. well lit, not vulnerable to flooding and with a tarmac surface, not gravel.
- The proposed replacement crossing does not fulfil high quality standards in walking and cycling. Reference: Highways England’s Interim Advice Note 195/16.
- I disagree with the Transport Assessment on Page 38, Paragraph 4.3.19 which claims that there are “…very low cycle demands for crossing the A27 within the carriageway and using existing pedestrian crossing during the various peak hours, and on a daily basis.”
This crossing is well used and invaluable for cyclists, cycling groups and cycling events that often use this crossing in large numbers throughout the year. - The proposal also needs to provide more safe, direct and attractive walking and cycling routes and links so that people, including those with disabilities can have easy access to all destinations e.g. shops, schools, health centres, railway stations etc. and that cycling/walking can reach its full potential and deliver all the accompanying public health and environmental benefits.
- Sustainable transport needs to be much more clearly prioritised in this scheme in line with Government and West Sussex County Council sustainable transport policy. The “Technical Note: A27 Access Strategy” section of the Transport Assessment should include proposals for high quality walking and cycling facilities. Reference: Highway England’s Interim Advice Note 195/16.
- This proposal will encourage car use. The housing development includes a car parking space for each dwelling (i.e. possibly 600 cars). The proposed IKEA car park would have 1000 spaces, but the A27 is already at capacity and alternatives to car travel should be more strongly encouraged and invested in.
- Horse riders need to be better accommodated in any proposed new crossing.
- Issues of flooding will be problematic for the proposed development. Flooding must be resolved for any facilities designed for cycling /non-motorised users.
- This application is baffling for most ordinary citizens who will be confronted with 400 documents. The key points for cycling are difficult to discern among jargon, spin and complexity with information embedded in so many documents, many of which are slow to download and difficult to view.
Do you ride over the old Shoreham Toll Bridge and cross the A27 to go to Coombes, Botolphs or Steyning using the “Sussex Pad” junction? Well, there are proposals to close that crossing as part of the New Monks Farm development. The alternative would be a detour of about 750m ( ½ mile) which would involve four sets of traffic lights and four crossings over carriageways.
