Goodwood speaks out against A27 northern route: '˜It would put us at risk'

Goodwood has come out in support of upgrading the existing A27, saying a new northern route would have a '˜severe and negative impact' on the Estate and the city of Chichester itself.
Last year's Members' Meeting at Goodwood, one of several major events that Goodwood fears would be at risk by a northern routeLast year's Members' Meeting at Goodwood, one of several major events that Goodwood fears would be at risk by a northern route
Last year's Members' Meeting at Goodwood, one of several major events that Goodwood fears would be at risk by a northern route

Goodwood says it is ‘surprised and disappointed’ that the northern option is back on the table, and has also questioned if £69m is ‘anything like’ the money needed to resolve the long-standing issues with the trunk road.

Goodwood also believes the South Downs National Park would be negatively affected by a new Lavant bypass around the city, and fears it would put at risk major events like the Festival of Speed.

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A statement said: “Goodwood supports the need for improvements to the existing road. It is a critical necessity for the people and businesses of Chichester District.

Spitfires as part of the display at last year's Goodwood RevivalSpitfires as part of the display at last year's Goodwood Revival
Spitfires as part of the display at last year's Goodwood Revival

“The allocated £69M does not appear to be anything like enough to resolve the issues for the long term and we are concerned where the remaining funding will come from.

“We are surprised and disappointed that the idea of a northern expressway has come up again. It has been shown in the past not to be an appropriate solution for the issues faced on the existing road.

“Goodwood will support any activity that solves the challenges of the junctions on the existing A27 as research we have seen demonstrates that this is the best outcome for the city.

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“If a route were to come north we see it having an extremely severe and negative impact on the beautiful Cathedral City of Chichester, on the South Downs National Park and on Goodwood.

Option Four, one of two draft northern bypass routes and seven options. ©Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey. Media 013/16Option Four, one of two draft northern bypass routes and seven options. ©Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey. Media 013/16
Option Four, one of two draft northern bypass routes and seven options. ©Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey. Media 013/16

“Currently Goodwood generates something in the region of £240m a year of economic value for the economy and we believe a northern expressway will put much, if not all, of that at risk.”

As revealed by the Observer and Spirit FM when we published all seven draft route maps, two of them are for a new northern route, which would run immediately north of Goodwood Motor Circuit.

See all of the draft options here

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