It is hoped the new road will reduce traffic on the A259

It is hoped the single lane road will relieve traffic congestion along the A259 between Hastings and Bexhill but some people are opposed to the plans.

The route will connect the two towns from the A21 to Queensway and East Sussex County Council believes it will help regenerate the area.

The dual lane bypass was thrown out by the Department for Transport in 2001.

It is absolutely devastating - this has been going on for 15 years Dick Yeo, resident

The new route was chosen from a list of six after 65,000 local people received a questionnaire asking for their preferred choice.

The council said 2,500 people gave their opinions of whom 84% were in favour of a new road being built with 24% voting for the successful modified blue route.

Councillor Matthew Lock, from the council said: "Our decision to go with a modified blue route has been made after officers resolved the issues emerging through the thorough and informative consultation with local people, businesses and the statutory environmental bodies to make sure we picked the right option."

The council says the road will open up an area of north Bexhill and Hastings for new housing and business development.

But many residents living near the proposed route are unhappy at the plans.

Dick Yeo, who lives in Crowhurst , said: "It is absolutely devastating - this has been going on for 15 years.

"First there was the bypass and then three years ago that was cancelled and now a new proposition for a link road."

The road, which will be 3.4miles long, is expected to cost about �47m with the council due to make a bid to the government for the money.