This report updates the Committee on the A27 Ford Road Junction Feasibility Study prepared by West Sussex County Council. The purpose of the study was to provide evidence to inform future discussions on the design of the A27 Arundel Bypass, future Local Plan reviews and funding applications. The study was commissioned following requests from stakeholders, notably including elected representatives.

Upon the invitation of the Chair, the Planning Policy Team Leader presented the report which provided an update on the A27 Ford Road Junction Feasibility Study prepared by West Sussex County Council. It was explained that the purpose of the study was to provide evidence to inform future discussions on the design of the A27 Arundel Bypass, future Local Plan reviews and funding applications, and had been commissioned following requests from stakeholders.

Members who spoke raised concerns that accepting this report into evidence was in someway endorsing its content and conclusions and could limit future actions or representations of the Council. Some additional wording to be added to the Officer recommendation was then read to the Committee to make clear the Committee’s intentions in this regard. The wording was:

Whilst the Council is accepting the study into evidence, it does not necessarily endorse the report and it does not preclude the Council from continuing to press for further improvements for the good of the Arun District.

The Officer recommendation with this additional wording was proposed by Councillor Lury and seconded by Councillor Huntley.

The Committee

RESOLVED

That the A27 Ford Road Junction Feasibility Scheme be noted and added to the Council’s evidence web pages. Whilst the Council is accepting the study into evidence, it does not necessarily endorse the report and it does not preclude the Council from continuing to press for further improvements for the good of the Arun District.