A formal application has been submitted to West Sussex County Council seeking changes to the junction where St Paul’s Road, Sherborne Road and Norwich Road meet in Chichester, following a sustained local campaign and several recorded collisions.
What has been submitted
The Community Highway Scheme application was confirmed on 31 July by Councillor Louise Pramas (Chichester West). The proposal aims to tackle concerns raised by residents about visibility, pedestrian safety and increased traffic linked to nearby developments.
"I'm pleased to say that I have submitted a Community Highway Scheme application to West Sussex County Council today to make the case for the need to improve the junction between St Paul's Road, Sherborne Road and Norwich Road."
Cllr Pramas said the application is the "culmination of a lot of hard work across our community" and acknowledged the backing of county councillors Jack Lovejoy and Richard Bates, Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller and District Councillor Adrian Moss.
Why residents are concerned
A campaign group, set up in July 2025 and called the Campaign for a safe crossing at St Paul’s Road, has been pressing for a permanent controlled crossing. The group was formed in response to rising traffic at the junction, including movements associated with the Minerva Heights housing development and regular farm vehicles. Campaign founder Sue Walters collected a petition in October 2025 with 936 signatures calling for a controlled crossing such as a puffin crossing.
- Community campaign launched: July 2025
- Petition signatures submitted: 936 (October 2025)
- Application submitted to county council: 31 July 2026
- Decision expected: Autumn 2026
Safety record and local use
Police records show nine reported accidents at the junction over the past five years, including two serious injuries. West Sussex County Council recorded 205 pedestrians and cyclists using the crossing on 7 October 2025, underlining the site’s use by vulnerable road users.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Reported accidents (5 years) | 9 |
| Serious injuries | 2 |
| Pedestrians & cyclists counted (7 Oct 2025) | 205 |
| Petition signatures | 936 |
Residents have highlighted the junction’s staggered layout, where drivers pulling out can struggle to see pedestrians and cyclists. Campaigners argue that a permanent controlled crossing would reduce risks for people walking and cycling, particularly families and older residents.
The application now goes to West Sussex County Council for consideration. Local representatives have expressed hope for a positive outcome when the submission is reviewed later in the year.
Anyone who uses the junction regularly will be watching the council’s response closely: changes could include formal crossings, revised markings or other alterations to improve visibility and reduce conflict between vehicles and vulnerable road-users.
