A24 junction approved

Part of the new 1044 Berkeley Homes development, the roundabout on the east side of the A road was passed by Horsham District Council’s Development Control North Committee on Tuesday.

This will be linked by an overbridge to another roundabout on the west side of the A24 leading to the new Broadbridge Heath bypass running through the 963-property Counryside Homes site.

While the two roundabouts and overpass were provided by different legal agreements, the works would be undertaken as one highways project.

Malcolm Curnock (LDem, Broadbridge Heath) questioned whether works could be prolonged if a definite timetable was not imposed.

He explained: “I’m a little concerned without a timetable for completion there’s the potential for prolonged disruption around these works.”

However, officers said the developer would have to finish the new junction by the time a certain number of houses were finished and occupied, thought to be half of 963 homes by Countryside and 470 dwellings by Berkeley.

Mr Curnock welcomed the grade separated junction and said he was happy the proposed amendments made by Broadbridge Heath Parish Council had been taken on board by the developer.

Liz Kitchen (Con, Rusper and Colgate), chairman of the committee, added that the junction was a great example of two developers working together on a complicated project.

A new pedestrian and cycle footbridge will also be delivered over the A24, replacing the existing structure just to the north.

Full permission for a parcel of 42 dwellings as part of the 1044-home development was also granted by the committee.