Regional politicians have approved major new roads for the south coast, despite criticism from environmental groups.

The South East Regional Assembly voted in favour of a major new road building project from Southampton to Kent.

Friends of the Earth (FoE) have warned of "massive damage" to the South Downs, due to become a national park next year.

But supporters of the project say the roads are badly needed to ease increasing congestion in the region.

This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - we don't know what the full impact is going to be

Amanda Brace, Friends of the Earth

Assembly members have approved a plan bigger than that originally announced.

Protesters are also angry that 25 times more money is earmarked for the new road schemes than on improving public transport.

FoE's regional campaigns co-ordinator, Amanda Brace, said: "This was totally unexpected. We can't quite believe it.

"This area hasn't been environmentally assessed and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - we don't know what the full impact is going to be.

'Discredited policy'

"We must not return to the discredited policy of building more roads to deal with traffic problems.

"It's time we came up with sustainable solutions that put people and the environment first."

Government ministers must decide whether to go ahead with it, which could cost more than �1bn.

Changes would include a bypass around Arundel and a flyover outside Lewes, both in Sussex.

On Monday people from Lewes protested near the site of the proposed flyover between Southerham and Beddingham, which they say is visible from the South Downs and the Ouse Valley.