The High Court has today refused an application for permission for judicial review of the provisional Bexhill to Hastings link road funding decision, given by the Department for Transport (DfT) in March.
Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: "We're delighted by today's decision and that the High Court has recognised there was no basis for this legal challenge. It means we can now get on and really make a positive difference to the most deprived local economy in the South East. This road is absolutely crucial to the regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill for people and businesses. It'll bring better access to jobs; opportunities for housing and business development; and fewer cars using roads that aren't suitable for them.
"The road will make it possible to build 1,200-2,000 new homes and business park space of 50,000 square metres; it'll create more than 3,000 new jobs and bring economic benefits valued at £1bn. It is for these reasons we believe the road is so important to the area. Add this to the £500million capital programme the County Council will be investing to support the economy over the next four years – it means more business investment, more company expansion room, more local jobs and a stronger economy for the benefit of the whole community."
Further information
Last month, the Government confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Orders, meaning the Council can now acquire the land needed for the road and for new environmental habitats. The Orders will now be published.
Environmental work, including archaeological surveys and creating new habitats for wildlife, began in July. In April, East Sussex County Council's Cabinet agreed to allow an early start to work on the road before final funding approval is received.
What happens next?
In due course East Sussex County Council will submit its final funding bid to DfT, which demonstrates how it has met the conditions laid down in the provisional funding decision.
Building is due to start in January 2013.
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