Concerns on northern bypass are contested

Numerous readers have contacted the Observer expressing views for and against various options for improvements to the A27 – to be consulted on by Highways England in spring.

Several have argued a northern bypass is the ‘most practical and sensible option’, while Oving Parish Council chairman Sjoerd Schuyleman believes improvements to the existing route as well as a northern bypass will be required.

Mr Schuyleman said: “Our parish is understandably very concerned about a number of the seven options you have kindly published on the improvements to the Chichester Bypass.

“I am currently working through these options to come up with a proposed action plan that will be checked and reviewed 
by the Oving Parish 
Council shortly.

“My initial personal response is that given the expected increase in local and through traffic over the next decade or more, both a new northern bypass and improvements to the existing Chichester Bypass will be required.”

Jim Oliver, of Graydon Avenue, Chichester, argued the city was regularly gridlocked and with thousands of houses to be delivered as part of the 
local plan, residents 
needed to put ‘self 
interest’ aside.

He said: “The southern bypass will never be sufficient whatever is done to it. A northern bypass is the only answer.”

Hilary Terry, of Shopwyke, said: “Nobody likes these projects on their doorstep but with all the increase in traffic, the north is 
the most practical and sensible option.”

Tangmere Parish Council chairman Andrew Irwin said the issue was discussed by councillors last week, 
but the council would 
await the public 
consultation before commenting further.

He said the parish had asked Highways England for a presentation but the agency had declined.

The Observer has repeatedly asked for an interview from the agency but requests have so far been declined.

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