West Sussex County Council seeks legal action over A29 landslip

The A29, Church Hill, in Pulborough, has been only partly accessible to traffic following a landslide in late December 2022.

An ongoing stalemate between the council and the landowners of the embankments on the side of the road has meant the situation has yet to be resolved.

The embankments are in private ownership and this has complicated repair efforts for the council, as it is unable to undertake work without the owners' approval.

Geo-technical experts have determined the embankments' instability puts both vehicles and pedestrians in danger, compelling the current restrictions on road use.

The council set up single-file traffic arrangements in April 2023.

It has been unable to reach an agreement with the landowners for work to take place, despite discussions. 

Statutory notices have been served to the landowners, seeking approval for the required embankment work.

However, these have been appealed, resulting in more delays due to backlogs in the magistrates' court system.

A court hearing is currently set for January 2026.

A council spokesperson added: "If this route to have the planned works approved through the courts does not provide the much-needed solution in a timely way, the county council will keep other legal routes under active consideration.

"However, we must allow the current court process to reach a conclusion before we begin an alternative route.

"In the meantime, the single lane signal-controlled arrangement is regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to provide a safe and workable temporary solution.

"We appreciate the ongoing delay in resolving the situation has caused frustration locally, and we will keep focussed on exploring all options to reach a resolution, including engaging with the landowners if they are open to further discussion."

Residents and stakeholders will be informed of any progress, the council said.