Gridlock threat for Chichester city centre

This is one of the key messages in a revised version of the city council's town plan '“ a detailed document presenting a vision for the future of the city, and a plan of action.

A wide range of issues is addressed, but the traffic impact of extensive new housing development on sites at Graylingwell, the Roussillon Barracks and Portfield looms large.

The original town plan was produced in 2005, following extensive consultation and a questionnaire sent to one in five people in the city.

Now it has been revised and updated, covering topics including the city's heritage and future development; housing, leisure and cultural facilities; transport; and tourism, trade and commerce.

On transport, the plan urges a new north-east link road from Barnfield Drive across to the Broyle Road area should be targeted '“ at present there is a proposal to build a residential home on the line of the possible route, as part of the huge new 750-home Graylingwell development.

Other traffic measures suggested include an underground 'deck' for the Northgate car park '“ a shallow excavation rather than a deep one '“ linked-up cycleway facilities across the city, and a green travel plan.

The document argues in favour of a park-and-ride system for employees of major employers.

City mayor Cllr Michael Woolley said the county council, as highway authority, had been slow to develop a comprehensive traffic plan for Chichester, and one was badly needed.

Without the suggested link road, there would be a severe traffic impact on Westhampnett Road '“ a major access route into the city.

"With or without the proposed A27 improvements, all of the new development planned in the city needs to be served," said Cllr Woolley.

"It is vital this link road is thought about, and the county council comes up with a strategic overview '“ it has put it off for too long."

Cllr Richard Plowman, chairman of the planning and conservation committee, said: "The area which concerns us most is roads.

"Lots of good things are said about cycleways and walking, and so on, but the car is still king as far as transport is concerned.

"All of these new developments will feed on to the east side of the city, and Westhampnett Road."

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