A CONTROVERSIAL solution to congestion on a busy road has been favoured by a county council.

West Sussex County Council declared last night that it would back Option 5A for the A27 Arundel bypass – despite ongoing protests from residents.

In August, Highways England began a public consultation on three options for the A27 Arundel bypass. The consultation ended on Monday.

The proposed solutions are Options 1, 3 or 5A, the last of which has been criticised for cutting through protected ancient woodland.

Councillor Bob Lanzer, the council’s cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “Overall, the environmental impacts of Option 5A, if appropriately mitigated, are likely to be significantly outweighed by the substantial economic benefits of this option over the longer term.

“The environmental and community services select committee concluded that, of the options presented by Highways England, Option 5A would have the most benefit to traffic and the economy by relieving congestion at Arundel and attracting traffic that currently rat runs through residential areas and South Downs National Park.

“However, they also recognised that it would have an adverse effect on the environment and people who live in Binsted, so recommended that a high-quality package of environmental mitigation measures be delivered as part of the scheme.”

Mr Lanzer also addressed errors published in the documentation supplied by Highways England. He said: “We have asked Highways England to ensure that any minor errors are rectified before the consultation on the preferred route takes place in 2018.”

A preferred route is expected to be announced this winter by the Secretary of State.