‘Shripney bypass needed in A29 improvements’

The A29 northwards on the way to Shripney (Photo from Google Maps Street View)

Improvements to the A29 need to include a bypass for Shripney to be fully effective, one councillor has suggested.

Known as the A29 realignment scheme, West Sussex County Council is planning to bring forward the new road in two phases.

The bypass would start just south of Fontwell, intersect the B2233 Barnham Road, cross the railway line and rejoin the A29 near the Lidsey Caravan Park.

Although some have welcomed the scheme others have questioned the cost and environmental impact.

West Sussex County Council is likely to submit a planning application for the northern section in July or August, according to Arun District Council officers.

Karl Roberts, director of place at Arun, said: “For the remainder of the road, conversations and discussions with site promoters are moving apace quite considerably.”

The update was given at Bognor regeneration sub-committee on Wednesday (July 17).

Speakers were split on the benefits of the realignment scheme.

Jim Brooks (Ind, Marine) said: “I’m so pleased to hear something is moving. Bognor has been strangled by the road for years and many members like me will have sat in a queue trying to get over the level crossing at eight in the morning queuing right back to Shripney.”

But Tony Dixon (Ind, Aldwick East) was less enthusiastic about the proposals, especially given the housing numbers mooted in the area had gone up from 3,000 to 4,180.

He said: “I just want to point out to members if you introduce seven roundabouts between Bognor Regis and the A27 and traffic from 4,180 houses I do not think it’s going to improve access to Bogonr at all. I think they will be disappointed.”

Francis Oppler, deputy leader at Arun, said he is in favour of the A29 improvements, but added a caveat to his support.

He explained: “Shripney needs a bypass and I think that is the big error in the current scheme. I know it’s not within Arun’s gift but the problem for Shripney does need to be addressed.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.