Petition to save the Sussex Pad crossing gathers support

The crossing, west of the Adur flyover, would be replaced if the controversial New Monks Farm development is given planning permission.

The petition, set up by Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth (BHFOE), describes the Sussex Pad as ‘the best, safe road crossing of the A27 for cyclists for miles around’ and ‘used by thousands of people every week from all over Sussex’.

The petition calls on West Sussex County Council and Highways England to ‘uphold local and national planning policies and transport design standards by objecting to this proposal’ and on Adur District Council to reject the New Monks Farm application unless the crossing is saved.

Chris Todd of BHFOE said: “The response to the petition has been amazing. It shows how important this crossing is to people from all over Sussex and for thousands accessing the South Downs National Park every week. “The proposed alternative alongside the River Adur is unsafe, squeezing groups of walkers and cyclists and horse-riders onto a ridiculously narrow path and lengthy diversion.

“To date, the concerns about the loss of this crossing have been swept aside by the developers. Yet, the proposed replacements are totally inadequate, fail to meet design standards and are too narrow and unsafe.

“Crossing the A27 would also take much longer.

“It’s time to stop this charade that the proposed alternatives to the Sussex Pad are somehow fit for purpose, let alone an improvement. They are clearly contrary to Local Plan policies and should be roundly rejected.”

A date for the final decision to be made on the controversial development has now been set. Read more here:

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