A27 Southerham to Beddingham Improvements

Orders published by the Secretary of State

The Secretary of State has published the draft Orders for the A27 trunk road Southerham to Beddingham improvements, which include the construction of the bridge over the railway to replace the level crossing. The proposals affect the road between the Southerham roundabout and the Beddingham roundabout and include widening the road to provide two lanes for westbound traffic. Also included are alterations to Southerham and Beddingham roundabouts to improve safety and reduce delays. The existing cycleway and footway would be extended from the Ranscombe Lane junction to Beddingham.

Copies of the draft Orders, a statement explaining the proposals, a report on the public exhibition, the scheme assessment report, the environmental statement and the non-technical summary may be inspected free of charge during normal opening hours from 11th February to 31st March at the Highways Agency in Dorking, and in this area at:

• Lewes District Council, Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes
• East Sussex County Council, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes
• Lewes Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Lewes
• Trevor Arms Public House, Glynde, Lewes
• Lewes Library, Albion Street, Lewes

A draft compulsory purchase order for the land and rights required for construction of the scheme will be issued shortly and at that time will also be available at these locations.

Anyone wishing to support, comment on or object to the draft orders, put forward alternative proposals, or comment on the environmental statement should write to the Secretary of State at the Highways Agency address, c/o Phil Barnett, Highways Agency, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SZ. Comments and objections should be received no later than 31st March 2005.

Depending on the nature and number of objections received, a public inquiry may be held before an independent inspector. If an inquiry is to be held, it is likely to occur around autumn 2005. All of those who have responded will be notified individually at least 6 weeks beforehand and notice will appear in the local press. All comments received would be made available to the inspector who may decide to make them public. Publicity would also be given to any alternative proposals received. Following any public inquiry, the First Secretary of State and the First Secretary of State for Transport will consider the recommendations made by the inspector before deciding whether to proceed with the scheme. The anticipated start date for the scheme construction is currently the spring of 2006.

For further information please contact:
Highways Agency, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH14 1SZ
Phil Barnett 01306 878481
Emma Watling 01306 878155
Email: a27southerhambeddingham@highways.gsi.gov.uk
Further information is also available on: www.highways.gov.uk