Object
Local Plan Review: Preferred Approach 2016-2035
Representation ID: 998
Received: 04/02/2019
Respondent: Birdham Parish Council
Proximity to the Chichester Harbour AONB Pagham Harbour SPA and Medmerry designated SPA
There are no accepted proposals to improve traffic flow on the A27, apart from some improvements to junctions. Proposals very similar to these were roundly condemned during the Highways England A27 consultation process. The improvements which will have to be funded by the developers will take 15 years to complete at a rate of one junction every 3 years.
This means 15 years of disruption and delays.
Strategic site AL6 is situated immediately adjacent to the Chichester Harbour AONB. This cannot possibly meet the requirements of Policy DM19. The commercial part of this site is located between the Fishbourne and Stockbridge roundabouts, two of the most congested and polluted roundabouts on an already congested road, which contravenes Policy DM8: Transport, Accessibility and Parking. The location of this site should be moved to the east of the city, where there are already substantial commercial developments. Another possible location is around the Goodwood Race Track, which would act as a noise barrier to protect local housing in the area.
This disregard for the Chichester Harbour AONB is further evidenced by the proposal to build a link road between the Fishbourne Roundabout and the A286. This road will be within 300 metres of the AONB and will be elevated because of the low lying ground which it crosses. This will ruin the view of the Cathedral from the harbour and generate large amounts of noise and pollution, thus disturbing the harbour, and further cut off the harbour from the city.