Court resolves long legal fight over crisis-hit West Sussex road

The A29 at Church Hill in Pulborough was shut by West Sussex County Council in December 2022 following a landslide which led to chaos in the village with traffic snarl-ups, safety fears and a loss of trade for local businesses.

The embankment-lined road remained closed for months before reopening to single-lane traffic, controlled by traffic lights, in April 2023. The road has remained single-lane since that time – much to the annoyance of local residents.

Delays to resolving the situation were caused by legal wrangles between the county council and the owners of land by the embankment. The council served notices on the landowners requiring them to carry out tree works, but the landowners appealed against it. Now, however, a court has dismissed the landowners’ appeals.

A council spokesperson said: “A recent magistrates’ court hearing relating to the ongoing situation on the A29 in Pulborough has resulted in the dismissal of the appeals made by the landowners.

“In February 2024, West Sussex County Council served statutory notices on the landowners requiring them to undertake certain tree works on their property. These works required them to remove a number of trees which were assessed to be dead, dying or insecurely rooted so as to remove the risk of danger posed to passing vehicles or pedestrians.

“These statutory notices were appealed and referred to the magistrates’ court system, however at the recent hearing, held on the 7 and 8 January 2026, the appeals were dismissed.

"The county council will engage with the landowners to secure completion of relevant tree works in a timely manner.”