'˜Significant funding gap' in second phase of works to Cheals roundabout

As part of the Kilnwood Vale west of Bewbush scheme, developers are required to increase capacity on the Horsham Road eastbound arm of the junction. But the legal agreement only requires the developer to provide a financial contribution to the second stage of works to the roundabout, which could see either an enlarged roundabout or fully traffic-signallised junction. West Sussex County Council’s West Crawley County Local Committee was given an update on the scheme’s progress at a meeting last Tuesday (January 19). Councillors were told that officers were aware of requests for better pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities, and the first phase had been designed ‘not to prejudice’ further improvements. A briefing note written by David Lambert, lead professional for highways design in WSCC’s implementation team, explained that they could not ask the developer to fully fund the second stage of works as the development was far enough from the roundabout to make the direct impact ‘relatively small’. He added: “In order to place a planning obligation on a developer to undertake highway schemes, there must be clear evidence that the scheme is needed to mitigate the impact of the development. “We therefore cannot require developers to fully rectify all existing problems on the highway network, as planning legislation restricts us to dealing with the impact of the development alone.” The first phase would see the existing single straight-on and right turn lane replaced by two lanes, with a traffic island alongside the segregated left turn lane to stop drivers ‘straight-lining’ the roundabout at excessive speeds. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.crawleyobserver.co.uk 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crawleyobserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @Crawley_Obby 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Crawley Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.