Rother prefer blue route for link road

After a lengthy period of debate at Crowhurst Village Hall on Monday, councillors on the Rother cabinet decided to go with officers recommendations to support the proposed road running just south of Crowhurst and avoiding the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

This will form part of the council's representation to East Sussex County Council and the Highways Authority.

However, Rother leader, Cllr Graham Gubby, stated residents will still have plenty of opportunities to express their views on the proposed roads.

The county council were also asked to carefully examine the possibilities of the direct orange route straight through the SSSI but Cllr Gubby recognized it may fall down on the governments environmental considerations.

He said: "It was surprising at the exhibitions (shows around the area detailing the proposals), just how much support there was for the orange route. As it has been said it has the least impact on people.

"I would like to see the county council take into account the orange route but we have to bear in mind what the government will say on that."

Cabinet eventually decided it would be best to give a clear preference to the blue route but were assured county are still examining all the options.

Nigel Marshall, planning officer for East Sussex County Council, said: "We felt it was appropriate to include routes that go straight across the SSSI because it is the most direct.

"What we got from the consultation was the impression that a lot of people favour that route."

But Mr Marshall was quick to add the government would carefully consider the views of the statutory environmental bodies on roads running through the SSSI, although damage may be offset by a proposed Pebsham Country Park.

Cabinet also sought assurances the proposed road, although linked to suggested developments for the A21, would not be delayed as a result of those plans.

Mr Marshall, stated this would not happen and it was 'imperative' both schemes are put in place at the same time.

Rother will also urge the County Council to see the road proposal as part of a 'package' to make greater provision for alternative transport.

Cllr Gubby said: "I'm pleased to see talk about modes of transport but I think we should take this opportunity for a plan giving an integrated system, including walking and cycling."

Before the cabinet meeting, councillors had faced questions in an open debate with Crowhurst residents.

The session was dominated by queries about the blue route for the link road which runs closest to the village.

When asked if he had walked the blue route, Cllr Gubby, said: "For me personally it would be immaterial if I walked every single step of every route.

"I have nailed my colours to the mast for a link road. What I have to do is make a judgement for the best interests of everybody."

Cllr Gubby was also told many people in Crowhurst find the route unacceptable. He replied: "I have every confidence that whatever decision is reached we can express that the residents of Crowhurst were against the northern routes."

He was quick to add that no final decision on the link road has been taken and Rother have been asked to supply their feeling on the plans as a result of the recent consultation.

He added: "When it goes to public inquiry people will have the right to comment anyway. There will be plenty more opportunities for discussion."