I am very grateful for the over 800 local residents who completed our recent survey on the controversial development proposals for New Monks Farm in Lancing. I have now submitted those findings as part of the formal public consultation on the planning application along with many hundreds of other submissions. The planning department is now seeking further details about the application particularly regarding the considerable implications for congestion on the A27 and it is now unlikely that the application will come before Adur’s Planning Committee for consideration before February 2018 at the earliest.
One serious concern is that the New Monks Farm development, especially if IKEA is included, would go ahead before any upgrade of the A27 is even agreed let alone actually built. This is surely the wrong way round. Earlier this year Highways England produced a single proposal for upgrading the A27 which simply amounted to tinkering with some of the junctions which was never going to be a starter. Whilst work to deal with congestion on this vital road is long overdue this scheme will not work and needs to be rejected. Highways England have been working on schemes that will involve underpasses or flyovers at key junctions like Lyons Farm and Grove Lodge.
With the backing of local Conservative councillors I have written to Transport secretary Chris Grayling, asking for ‘grade separation’ options to be published and more money made available to make them possible. If we can show that these options do significantly improve traffic flow then I am optimistic that we can secure additional funds to make it possible. Further news is expected in January and I will keep constituents posted about both these important local issues.