County council hails rejection of JR challenge to link road funding decision

A county council has hailed the rejection of a judicial review challenge to the Department of Transport’s provisional decision to fund a link road.

Campaigners at the Hastings Alliance brought legal action after the Transport Secretary agreed in March this year to provide funding for the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road.

The High Court last Friday refused an application for permission for judicial review.

Cllr Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: "We're delighted 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 Government last month confirmed the compulsory purchase orders for the scheme. These allow East Sussex to acquire the land needed for the road and new environmental habitats.

The council is to submit its final funding bid to the DfT in due course. It said it expected building to start in January 2013.