A27 Reference Group Meeting
Thursday 21 January 2016, 2pm
Room P, Portcullis House, House of Commons
Attendees:
Simon Kirby MP
Caroline Ansell MP
Nus Ghani MP
Maria Caulfield MP
Rupert Clubb, Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, East Sussex County Council
Jon Wheeler, Team Manager, Strategic Economic Infrastructure, East Sussex County Council
Cllr Bob Standley, Leader, Wealden District Council
Cllr Andy Smith, Leader, Lewes District Council
Iain Reeve, Transport Advisor, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership
Adam Bryan, Interim Director, South East Local Enterprise Partnership
Eike Ndiweni-Muller, Department for Transport
Andy Cleaver, Atkins
Thomas Beasley, Highways England
Paul Harwood, Highways England
Peter Phillips, Highways England
Martin Wright, Highways England
Jasmin Carcary, Project Officer, East Sussex County Council (Minutes)
Apologies:
N/A
Item
Action
1.
Welcome, Introductions and Apologies
Apologies noted above.
2.
Outline by Highways England of the improvements to the existing A27 East of
Lewes they are exploring and reasons for them
MW explained that – in light of the RIS1 commitment and Ministerial references to
a figure of £75m - Highways England (HE) have commissioned Atkins to consider
what smaller scale improvements might be possible for the A27 East of Lewes.
They are focusing on the main pinch points and improving the junctions between
Beddingham and Polegate.
Atkins confirmed they have been asked to look at options including, if deemed
appropriate, the possibility of a new road alignment between Middle Farm and
Selmeston.
There was consensus from the A27 Reference Group members present that
although this may make some improvements to the safety and capacity of the
road, it would not go far enough and make the level of improvements they feel the
road needs. They recognise the high cost of dualling the road, however they do not
want to see this small but significant amount of money used on schemes that will
have a minimal effect to the road. They do not want to miss an opportunity to
make a better case for improvements to the A27. It was felt that due to the large
variety of traffic that uses that stretch of road, the safety issues will still not be
fully addressed.
The Reference Group requested that the option of a phased approach to building
an offline dualled road be considered as part of Atkins’ report. However, HE
confirmed that previous analysis has indicated that, based on current projections
of traffic growth, they could not currently justify taking forward offline dualling as
an option. The group discussed how a phased approach could be implemented, the
possible complications and possible options.
3.
Discussion of background to Highways England proposals, arrival at this point
and studies leading to Chancellors statement and Roads Investment Strategy
(known as RIS 1 : 2015 – 2020)
Atkins confirmed that a large scale scheme was investigated as an option as part of
the A27 feasibility improvement study, but the case at the time could not be made
for such a proposal and that is why they are focussing on making these smaller
scale improvements.
HE explained how they arrived at the position they are currently in and their desire
for Atkins to complete their review of the available options before they make any
decisions on which proposals to take forward.
4.
Progress of study commissioned by MPs of economic and regenerative benefits
of an improved A27
RC explained that East Sussex County Council (ESCC) are just about to commission
their own study on the economic case for improving the A27 between Lewes and
Polegate. ESCC do not feel this was explored enough during the feasibility study
and would like this additional study to be taken into consideration. This additional
study will consider the increased traffic pressures on the corridor identified as
resulting from the housing delivery aspirations of Wealden and others.
RC asked Highways England and the Department for Transport to be involved in
the economic study from the beginning so it could be presented as a joint piece of
work.
In addition, IR confirmed that four Local Enterprise Partnerships are carrying out a
piece of work to identify the economic benefits of investing in the strategic road
network in the South East. Again, this information will be made available for
Highways England and as evidence for any future proposals.
5.
Route Strategies
Was not discussed as a separate item.
6.
RIS 1 – RIS 2 discussion
It was confirmed that the Road Investment Strategy (RIS) will likely not be
impacted by devolution.
PH feels there is a possible case for reviewing the cost/benefit ratio for this project
and it is confirmed that there is a framework in the RIS to adapt to this.
The statement of RIS 1 funds is available for 2015-2020 with an extra year
identified for implementation. There is flexibility for HE to adjust the profile of
spend each year.
ENM emphasised that in tandem with Highways England delivering RIS1, work will
soon commence on preparing for the next RIS to cover the period post 2020. She
outlined the process for preparing RIS2, beginning with a ‘research’ phase of
evidence gathering. Key to this will be Highways England’s work on the next
iteration of Route Strategies whereby HE will re-visit each part of the network to
establish the different needs/pressures. She highlighted that the work on route
strategies will be the means for reconsidering longer term options for the A27.
The research phase will culminate in a public consultation. Then there will be a
decision phase.
The general consensus was that the process for RIS2 is a good opportunity to
revisit the case for an offline option. This could lend itself to a phased approach.
7.
Long term growth – how this is being taken forward
The Reference Group are keen to find a solution for the A27 that fits the longer
term growth agenda for East Sussex, in particular around the Eastbourne/South
Wealden and Newhaven areas. The local authorities are unable to support the
planned level growth required to meet the assessed need for housing and
employment unless the infrastructure, in particular the A27, is substantially
improved between Lewes and Polegate.
8.
Other factors; e.g. relevance of Airports Commission decision?
There were deep concerns raised regarding Wealden’s local plan. Up to 10,000
new homes over and above those already planned are proposed for the south
Wealden area, however as the road is already at capacity, they might be forced to
turn down planning permission on their own local plan due to the lack of
infrastructure. CA commented that the DfT’s own figures show that the A27 will be
at 150% capacity by 2021.
It emerged there was conflicting information on the South Down National Park
Authority’s (SDNPA) view of the proposals. The A27 Reference Group have not
received a negative response from the SDNPA and there is a willingness to discuss
proposals.
9.
Timescales
AC confirmed that Atkins are hoping to complete their options assessment by
Sept-Oct 2016. There will be a process of informal and formal consultation with a
preferred option agreed by 2017 with construction starting in 2020.
10.
Conclusions
It was agreed that all the different organisations/representatives would like to
work together on this as they would all like to see significant improvements made
to the road. The MPs have offered to continue their political lobbying and the
County Council have offered to supply HE with evidence and carry out work on the
scheme if needed.
The options need to be considered and reported on. If the decision is reached that
it is not feasible, the MPs will be able to explain to their constituents why. At the
moment, there are concerns with the public reaction to the proposed consultation
and options. The MPs feel they are unable to support smaller scale improvements
as a bigger scheme is not being considered.
11.
Forward progress
ACTION – HE, LEPs, ESCC, DfT to meet at officer level to understand when
HE, LEPs, ESCC,
decisions are going to be made on the various plans/studies and what is reliant on
DfT
those.
ACTION - The MPs will continue to have high level political discussions to explain
MPs
the evidence and what they would like to achieve.
ACTION - Highways England will meet with the A27 Reference Group again to
All
share their smaller scale improvements proposals in more detail.