A LEADING campaign group against the New Monks Farm development is urging the Government to block the controversial plans.

The fate of Brighton and Hove Albion’s application now rests with the Local Government and Communities Secretary James Brokenshire. The project, would see 600 new homes, a new Ikea superstore and business units built alongside the A27 in Lancing.

It also includes the provision of a roundabout on the A27, a country park, land for a school and a community centre.

The plans were approved after a heated debate at a special meeting held by Adur District Council last October.

Geoff Hodgson, spokesman for Adur Residents Environmental Action (Area), said: “There are more than 200 letters of objection which have been sent to Mr Brokenshire, so these plans should not be approved. It will increase the amount of traffic on the A27 and it is already congested. It will add nearly two million cars per year.

“It will also increase pollution and the air quality already has high amounts of nitrogen oxide.”

The chairman of Greater Brighton region, Councillor Garry Wall, has written a letter to Mr Brokenshire on behalf of the Greater Brighton Economic Board.

Cllr Wall, who is also leader of Mid Sussex District Council, wrote: “The board has asked me to outline the significant economic benefits that could flow from the development and improvements within these applications.

“There is local support for them and a package of supporting infrastructure benefits that will significantly assist the area. Protocol says the Secretary of State should make a decision on ‘call in’ within 21 days but New Monks has now been sitting on his desk for more than 100 days.”

Cllr Wall added that the future of Shoreham Airport is at serious risk if the developments do not go ahead.The development, which would cost £182 million, is predicted to bring £28 million a year into the local economy.

Earlier this month, a campaign was started demanding Mr Brokenshire “call in” the application for further consideration. Under planning law, the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has the power to “call in” sizeable developments. A “call in” would lead to a review by the national planning inspectorate of the decision to grant permission.