UPDATED plans to build a bypass on ancient woodland have been branded a “waste of time” by campaigners.

Six new options for a new A27 Arundel Bypass have been presented by Highways England.

All proposed routes feature bridges over the River Arun and Arun Valley Railway line.

But reports show the planned bypass will have “adverse effects” on a nearby ancient woodland, as well as disruption for bats and barn owls in the area.

Henri Brocklebank, Sussex Wildlife Trust conservation director, said she was concerned about the “extremely high” amount of woodland affected.

“We’re in a time of climate crisis. It’s going to be very interesting to see how they go about the environmental factors,” she said.

“They have upto £250 million funding but four of the options cost more than £250 million. It feels like a big waste of time.”

Ms Brocklebank said the money would be better spent on public transport.

She said: “Of course there’s a problem with traffic in Arundel, there’s no denying that.

“But that problem can be solved in a quicker and cheaper way than this. Imagine how much £250 million would do for our public transport.”

Six colour-coded options have been proposed by the Highways Agency.

The “beige” and “cyan” plans propose a new dual carriageway between Crossbush and the west of Arundel.

But the “grey” option featured a bridge over Binsted village and almost five miles of new dual carriageway from Crossbush to Fontwell roundabout.

Kia Trainor, director of the Campaign for Rural England’s Sussex branch, said the plans were “every colour but green”.

“Most of the road options on the table are completely unaffordable and all are extremely environmentally damaging,” she said.

“We are appalled at the dismissive way Highways England has treated alternatives to road building.”

Highways England’s Jason Hones said the plans would tackle one of the South East’s biggest bottlenecks.

“We have assessed all the viable options in greater detail than before so that people can see and understand all the factors and help us decide which one strikes the right balance,” he said.

A public consultation on the plans will run until October 24