Following Government changes to the funding of major transport schemes, our original timetable for construction of the Bexhill Hastings link road was put on hold.
Funding decision – December 2011
We are very disappointed that the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that a decision on funding for the link road will be delayed again. Over the next three months we will continue working with the DfT on the issues they have raised. We hope that a decision can be made as soon as possible.
At this stage we do not know what effect this would have on any timetable for construction.
Best and final bid for funding – September 2011
Under the Government's new funding arrangements, we submitted an expression of interest in January and a best and final bid for funding in September 2011. For more information about the bid, see:
There is limited funding available from the Government and we are working to reduce costs and find alternative methods of paying for the road.
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.
Planning permission was granted in July 2009:
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.
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
East Sussex County Council