Draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Version 2 - May 2024

1.4 it is suggested that the works completed at Portfield roundabout mean that this roundabout requires no further improvement. However the Chichester Transport Study 2024, Local Plan 2021-2039 Transport assessment by Stantec on page 8 states that “the modelling shows that all junctions on the A27 Chichester bypass are well over capacity”. In section 1.3.2 of the Transport Study, it states there have been minor works at Portfield roundabout and table 5-1 highlights the Portfield roundabout in red, indicating mitigation is deemed necessary. Therefore, the assumption in the SPD that Portfield requires no further mitigation does not appear correct.
The Chichester Transport Study 2024, Local Plan 2021-2039 Transport assessment by Stantec states the data for Portfield Roundabout and journey times between Portfield and Bognor Road Roundabouts are not typical, therefore this data is not used in any further analysis. The previous model is now reaching the end of its useful life but a verification exercise has taken place; but this would have excluded the Portfield to Bognor roundabouts times because they are a typical. Further verification of the impact on the Portfield improvements are required if the local Plan believes no further improvements are required.

This section suggests that the indicative package of measures for the six junctions on the bypass identified in the Transport Study of Strategic Development Options and Sustainable Transport Measures were acceptable, but haven’t be able to be put into place due to lack of funds. Donnington Parish Council strongly objected in a letter to Susan Taylor on 01/03/2021 with regard to concerns about the link road (including flooding, the impact of the harbour and pollution) and to the proposals for the Stockbridge and Whyke roundabouts due to the negative impact on local residents' journey times, pollution and that this was very similar to option 3 proposed in RIS 1, which was roundly rejected by the Chichester community.
Again, table 1 excludes any costs for Portfield. The evidence in the Transport Study shows this roundabout still requires consideration. Anecdotally, local residents highlight the issues with the improvements to Portfield, that the further integration of local and through traffic increases the risk of incidents at this roundabout, and it should not be considered as no longer requiring further improvements.

The proposals for Stockbridge roundabout, although these have been identified as not being possible to fund, do not meet Policy 8, because the suggested improvements at these roundabouts would restrict access to Chichester city and increase the traffic on the A27 to make local journeys.
The monitor and manage process (section 2.11 of the Draft A27 Chichester Bypass mitigation Supplementary Planning Documents August 2023) does not appear to have sufficient transparency and consultation with local residents. More information regarding the Traffic and Infrastructure Management group is needed, particularly as there is concern that the Local Plan is being used to implement National Highways schemes that have previously been rejected, using local funds. Proposals for improvements to the A27 appear to be improvements for the through traffic at the expense of local traffic. This process needs more transparency regarding how it will consult the local population, what the remit is, what the process will be for making recommendations, what small scale local highway network intervention are within the scope and such.
Anecdotally, local residents do not support that Portfield roundabout meets Policy 8; and there are concerns on the safety of this roundabout and road congestion still remains an issue.