About the Bexhill to Hastings link road
Why do we need a new road?
Since 2001, the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force has been focused on improving the economy in Hastings and surrounding areas, which had been in decline for many years.
Made up of the South East England Development Agency, local authorities and other organisations, a key aim of the task force was improved transport between Bexhill and Hastings. Following public consultation, a route for a new road was selected.
We believe the link road will support regeneration and benefit residents and businesses by opening up access to land for new housing and business developments and bringing more employment opportunities.
People living along or using the A259 will benefit from:
- reduced traffic, less congestion and fewer accidents
- improved bus reliability and services
- better air quality and safer conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.
The scheme has been carefully designed to minimise impact on the countryside and protected areas. Close to the road, a ‘greenway' will allow cyclists, walkers and horse riders to travel separately from motor traffic and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Current timetable for building the road
The Government has provisionally agreed to fund nearly £80 million towards the total cost of around £95.5 million. However, we have been told by the Department for Transport (DfT) that all transport schemes will be reviewed following the Government's spending review. We will continue to restate to Government the importance of the link road to the regeneration of the area.
Therefore no works will be carried out until at least the end of 2010.
A Public Inquiry was carried out in November 2009. The Inquiry looked at the land needed for the road and for new environmental habitats, and whether we should be allowed to buy it from current owners using compulsory purchase powers.
The Inspector's report is currently being considered by Government but we do not expect a decision on the compulsory purchase of land until after the spending review.
Planning permission was granted in July 2009:
Which route does the road take?
The chosen route minimises the impact on the environment and makes the most of opportunities to improve the quality of life for people in the area.
The road will link the outskirts of Bexhill and Hastings, easing congestion and improving air quality on the A259 at Glyne Gap.
At 5.6km long and starting at the A259 in Bexhill, it will run along the line of the disused Bexhill to Crowhurst railway line and then pass around the northern side of the Combe Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Crossing Crowhurst Road and the Hastings to London railway line, it goes round the southern edge of the Marline Valley Woods SSSI before joining Queensway just north of Crowhurst Road.
Protecting the environment
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out to find ways of reducing the effect of the road on both natural and man-made features. An overview of the EIA can be downloaded in the Environmental Statement – non-technical summary.
What do local residents want?
In an autumn 2004 consultation, 65,000 copies of a questionnaire were distributed,.Of the 2,558 responses received, only 419 people (16% of respondents) said that they did not want a link road at all. The preferred option was developed further and a planning application was submitted in May 2007.
Download a map of the preferred route and read the responses received during the consultation, below:
Further information
For more information about the Bexhill to Hastings link road, please contact:
Phone: 0345 60 80 193
Email:
Bexhill to Hastings link road
