West Sussex County Council says it remains committed to resolving the long-running disruption on the A29 at Church Hill in Pulborough, following a landslide in late December 2022.
The collapse occurred on steep embankments at the narrowest section of the A29. The council has confirmed the land is privately owned, meaning it does not have the legal right to enter the site or carry out repair work without the permission of the landowners.
Shortly after the incident, geo-technical experts assessed the area and concluded the embankments on both sides of the road remain unstable. As a result, the council says it is not safe to fully reopen the road to vehicles or pedestrians. The site continues to be regularly monitored to ensure it remains safe under the current traffic arrangements.
Following the landslide, the council entered into discussions with the landowners. However, when an agreement could not be reached, temporary traffic lights and concrete barriers were installed in April 2023 to allow single-file traffic through the affected section.
The council says the private ownership of the embankments remains the biggest obstacle to delivering a permanent solution. Legal options are limited, and statutory notices served on the landowners to allow work to go ahead have been appealed and referred to the magistrates’ court. The authority says the court system is experiencing significant delays.
While progress has been slower than hoped, the council says there may be movement soon, with a court hearing now scheduled for January 2026.
West Sussex County Council says if the court process does not lead to a timely solution, other legal options will remain under consideration. However, it says the current legal route must be allowed to reach a conclusion before alternative action can be taken.
In the meantime, the single-lane, signal-controlled system remains in place and is regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to provide a safe and workable temporary solution.
The council has acknowledged frustration within the local community and says it will continue to explore all possible options, including further engagement with landowners if discussions can resume. Residents and stakeholders will be kept informed as updates become available.
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