Fierce opposition to ASDA’s proposed changes to A259 at Ferring

MAJOR changes to the A259 at Ferring linked to the controversial ASDA development are set to be signed and approved in “a matter of days” despite fierce opposition.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Mar 2012, 07:00 BST

More than 100 outraged villagers joined county, district and parish councillors in making a last-ditch attempt to have ASDA’s traffic plans overturned at the Joint East Arun Area Committee meeting in Rustington on Tuesday (March 6).

The supermarket giant has used a procedure known as a section 278 agreement to seek permission for a right-turn junction for east-bound traffic, controlled by traffic lights, into the former Country Fayre site. The procedure allows road schemes linked to sites with planning approval to go ahead without a further planning application, ruling out any discussion by councillors, and requiring no public consultation.

At the meeting, West Sussex County Council’s strategic planning officer, Matthew Bartle, said despite unanimous opposition, nothing could be done to alter them. He added: “The agreement is likely to be signed in a matter of days. We, as officers, don’t have any choice in this matter.”