1.
Introduction
1.1
About the
project
The
Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package (ETCMAP) has
been developed by East Sussex County Council in partnership with
Eastbourne Borough Council to enhance and promote the vitality of
the town centre.
The
ongoing project aims to improve Eastbourne Town Centre
by:
·
reducing
the amount of through-traffic,
·
providing
more space for people through the completion of a pedestrian spinal
route through the town centre,
·
creating
new public spaces, and
·
enhancing
the existing pedestrian environment at key locations.
Eastbourne
Town Centre is a key location in Eastbourne borough and wider
county of East Sussex. It is a vital hub for retail, leisure,
tourism, cultural and community activities, and is an important
economic driver, providing employment and business
opportunities.
Following
on from Phase 1 and 2a of the Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and
Access Package, East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has developed
Phase 2b to continue efforts to enhance the vitality of the town
centre; Figure 1 below highlights the schemes of Phase 1, Phase 2a
and Phase 2b.
Figure 1
– Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Packages Map
– Phase1, 2a & 2b
In
summary, the Phase 2b proposals include:
·
Pedestrianisation
and enhancement of Terminus Road between Grand Parade and Langney
Road, with a particular focus on the Victoria Place (between Grand
Parade and Trinity Trees/Seaside) section
·
Pedestrian
improvements
at Memorial Roundabout
·
Relocation
of part of the town centre Ring Road
Figure 2
– Objectives of Phase 2b of Eastbourne Town Centre Movement
and Access Package
East
Sussex County Council carried out a public consultation on the
Phase 2b proposals which ran for six weeks from Monday 10 October
2022 to Sunday 20 November 2022.
The
purpose of the consultation was to provide an opportunity for the
public and stakeholders to comment and provide feedback on the
Phase 2b proposals to help shape the further development of the
Victoria Place scheme, in particular, during the detailed design
stage.
Ahead of
the consultation, several key stakeholder workshops were held on
28, 29 and 30 September 2022 to update stakeholders on the project,
share plans for the consultation and preview the materials that
would be used in the scheme’s construction.
The
workshops also provided an opportunity to reiterate the objectives,
constraints, and key messages for the project ahead of the
consultation starting, helping to ensure that stakeholders have a
clear understanding and can help disseminate helpful information
and act as advocates for the project. Key stakeholders were also
encouraged to help promote the consultation through their own
channels to maximise the reach and increase the number of
respondents.
1.2
Full
ETCMAP Phase 2b Public Consultation Results Report
The full
report on the ETCMAP Phase 2b Public Consultation with analysis and
details of responses has been published alongside this ESCC
response report to the consultation results. The report can be
accessed via this link on the ESCC Consultation Hub.
1.3
Purpose of
ESCC Response & Next Steps Report
The aims
of this report are to outline ESCC’s response to the results
from the public consultation outlined both in this document and in
the consultation results report; and highlight how the proposals
will be developed further during the next stages for each
scheme.
2.
Overview of results from Public Consultation
2.1
Introduction
A total
of 251 consultation responses were received, with 205 responses to
the online questionnaire and a further 46 responses received by
email.
From both
the email responses and the online questionnaire, there was a wide
mix of responses from stakeholders including locally elected
representatives, transport user groups, businesses, and community
groups.
It should
be noted that respondents to a consultation are self-selecting, and
therefore a non-scientific sample made up of those who have chosen
to respond. The responses reflect the views of only
those who responded and whilst this provides an invaluable insight
into the concerns, themes and issues surrounding the proposals
presented, they should not be considered a fully representative
sample of the population’s views as a whole.
2.2
Consultation
outcomes – quantitative questions
The 205
responses received via the online questionnaire provided replies to
quantitative questions around the level of support for the three
different elements for Phase 2b.
Question 1
–Impact of ETC MAP Phase 2b
When asked
whether the proposed Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access
Package Phase 2b proposals would have a positive impact on
Eastbourne town centre?
·
64% of
respondents strongly disagreed or disagreed
·
32% of
respondents strongly agreed or agreed
·
4% of
respondents were neutral
It is
important to note that in this open question for the scheme as a
whole, 88 comments were made in relation to the fact that the
scheme proposed to remove cycling from Terminus Road. Therefore, a
large proportion of the above negative responses received can be
attributed to those concerned about the impact the proposals would
have on cycling, and that these respondents are not necessarily in
opposition to the scheme as a whole.
Question
2 –Terminus Road proposals
When asked
whether respondents supported the proposed improvements to Terminus
Road
·
58% of
respondents either strongly opposed or opposed
·
33% of
respondents strongly supported or supported
·
8% of
respondents answered neutral
Question
3 –Memorial roundabout proposals
When asked
whether respondents supported the proposed improvements to Memorial
Roundabout
·
75% of
respondents were either supportive of, or neutral to, the
proposals
·
25% of
respondents strongly opposed or opposed
Question 4
– Ring Road proposals
When asked
whether respondents supported the proposed plans to relocate the
Ring Road
·
68% of
respondents answered neutral to or supportive of the proposed
relocation of the Ring Road
·
32%
answering strongly oppose or oppose
2.3
Consultation
outcomes – qualitative comments
Respondents
were also provided the opportunity to provide written comments
about the Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package.
Within these comment sections several themes recurred:
·
Positive
impact on pedestrian safety: In both
the Terminus Road and Memorial Roundabout open questions, many
respondents noted how the removal of traffic along the Victoria
Place section of Terminus Road (between Trinity Trees/Seaside and
Grand Parade) and the improvements proposed to Memorial Roundabout
will largely improve pedestrian safety, thereby enhancing the
overall pedestrian environment along the whole length of Terminus
Road between the station and seafront.
·
Concerns
over the removal of cycling along Terminus Road:
A large
number of respondents had concerns over the proposed removal of
cycling along Terminus Road. Respondents felt this decision to be
unjustified and that it could endanger the safety of people who
cycle if they cannot use the existing cycle routes.
·
Active
travel: Some
respondents were concerned that the proposals did not encourage
active travel – specifically cycling. They felt that by
removing cycling from Terminus Road it would encourage more people
to drive instead of using more sustainable modes of
transport.
Following
the analysis carried out on the responses to the consultation,
feedback will be considered as part of the detailed design process
and comments will be taken into account as part of this.
3.
Specific themes & trends from qualitative data & ESCC
Responses
Below we
have outlined the specific themes and trends that have been
identified from the analysis of from the consultation results and
provided ESCC’s response.
3.1
Overall
comments: Eastbourne Town Centre Movement & Access Package
Phase 2b Schemes
|
Comment
|
ESCC
Response
|
|
There were
many comments that were largely positive with direct support for
the proposed Eastbourne Town Centre Movement and Access Package
Phase 2b proposals, including a focus on the schemes improving
accessibility and the town centre as a whole and improving
safety.
|
We welcome
the comments of support for the ETCMAP Phase 2b schemes and the
alignment with the overall aims and objectives of the package, of
building on the improvements made through previous phases to
continue to increase the accessibility, reduce town centre traffic
and public realm of the town centre. Whilst also spreading the
improvements beyond Terminus Road to wider areas of the town
centre, including Memorial Roundabout and the Ring Road
Relocation.
|
3.2
Terminus Road upgrade and Victoria Place
Pedestrianisation
|
Comment
|
ESCC
Response
|
|
Positive
comments for the full pedestrianisation of Terminus Road that will
bring:
·
safety
improvements;
·
enhance
the pedestrian environment;
·
Increase
footfall & encourage visitors and locals to eat out;
·
public
realm improvements to Victoria Place to create more pleasant
environment for local people and visitors.
|
We welcome
respondents’ comments of support for the Terminus Road
upgrade and pedestrianisation of the Victoria Place (Trinity
Trees/Seaside to Grand Parade) section, and the benefits the scheme
aims to bring around enhancing the pedestrian environment and wider
public realm, supporting increasing footfall and visitors and
businesses, through the creation of a new public space for people
to use.
|
|
Concerns
over removal of cycling along Terminus Road –
concerns
expressed over the proposed removal of cycling along Terminus Road,
that this was unjustified and it could endanger the safety of
people who cycle if they cannot use the existing cycle
routes.
|
The issue
of cycling along Terminus Road has been carefully considered
throughout the stakeholder engagement and design
process.
Given the
high level of footfall in the area closest to the seafront, the
potential conflicts arising from tables and chairs outside cafes
and restaurants on the footway meaning pedestrians will spill out
into the central part of the pedestrianised area, it is not
appropriate to introduce dedicated cycle lanes in this section of
Terminus Road. This reflects the guidance in Local Transport Note
(LTN) 1/20 which advises that shared use in streets
with high
pedestrian or cycle flows should be
avoided.
Provisions
for cycle access will be integrated as part of complementary
schemes being developed for five new cycle routes in Eastbourne. As
part of this, we will be delivering a new continuous cycle route
from Eastbourne Station to the Devonshire and the seafront via Old
Church Road, Saffrons Road, Grange Road, Carlisle Road and
Wilmington Gardens (currently programmed –
2024/25).
|
|
Concerns
over LTN 1/20 compliance- concerns expressed that
the
proposals for Terminus Road do not meet the standards of local and
national policy guidance around encouraging active travel and
cycling infrastructure.
|
We are promoting a pedestrian route through Terminus Road by
reallocating space to pedestrians over the car and therefore
seeking to encourage more active travel.
As highlighted above, LTN 1/20 does summarise that shared use in
streets
with high pedestrian or cycle flows should not be avoided. The
guidance highlights that in spaces with high pedestrian or cycle
flow, modes should be segregated via distinct
tracks.
However
there is not sufficient room to add cycle lanes on Terminus Road
to
provide
such segregation.
As set out
above provisions for cycle access will be integrated as part of
complementary schemes being developed for five new cycle routes in
Eastbourne. As part of this, we will be delivering a new continuous
cycle route from Eastbourne Station to the Devonshire Quarter and
the seafront
|
|
Accessibility
concerns – points
raised that the proposals needed to be wheelchair accessible,
disabled parking needs to be considered prior to construction and
that the removal of cycling will affect those who may have mobility
issues.
|
All
comments regarding the accessibility of the proposed scheme designs
are noted.
As part of
the preliminary design development for Phase 2b schemes the design
team have incorporated best practice and learning from the previous
phases to ensure the designs are inclusive and accessible,
including design of the streetscape, choice of materials to be used
and street furniture.
As part of
the detailed design process, we are conducting further engagement
with representatives of accessibility groups within the town centre
to ensure that the proposed changes are accessible as well as
agreeing the locations and number of parking spaces to allocate to
blue badge parking and pick up and drop off points on adjacent
roads to Victoria Place.
People
with disabilities that cycle will not be asked to dismount or
walk.
|
|
Loss of
Parking on Terminus Road and accessibility -
concerns raised regarding the loss of parking as a result of the
pedestrianistion of Terminus Road between Seaside Road and Grand
Parade and the impact it may have on accessibility of Terminus
Road.
|
The primary objective of this scheme is to improve movement
and access in the Town Centre with the creation of a dedicated
pedestrian route between the rail station and seafront, but it is
recognised that in seeking to meet this objective this will result
in some loss of parking in the vicinity of Terminus
Road.
As part of the detailed design process we are conducting
further engagement with key stakeholders to ensure that the best
mix of accessible parking locations, taxis and drop off points are
provided near to Victoria Place as well as consider the loading and
access requirements.
This
includes exploring potential locations to introduce new on-street
parking spaces, including for blue badge holders, in the vicinity
of the Victoria Place section of Terminus Road. This would augment
the current proposals to extend/convert the existing parking bays
on Grand Parade (south-west of the junction with Terminus Road) for
three blue badge disabled bays. There is also off-street
parking at Trinity Place which is less than five minute walk from
Victoria Place.
|
|
Burlington
Road traffic management option - The
majority of respondents (89%) answered that they had no preference
in relation to the two options presented to change traffic on
either Burlington Road or Elms Road. 6% of respondents answered
Option A (change direction of traffic on Burlington Road) and 4%
answered Option B (change direction of traffic on part of Elms
Road).
|
Due to the inconclusive result on a favoured option for Burlington
Road traffic management, we will work to advance this element of
the scheme during the detailed design stage taking into account of
consultation feedback, as well as from further engagement with key
stakeholders including the Eastbourne BID, local businesses and
local residents on the operability of both
options.
|
|
No. 99 bus
route re-routing –
concerns expressed about disabled access, and that plans to
relocate the number 99 bus route will mean disabled people would no
longer have easy access to Victoria Place.
|
In order
to fully pedestrianise the Victoria Place section of Terminus Road,
the bus stop facilities along this between Grand Parade and Seaside
Road will be removed, with bus route number 99 being diverted from
Terminus Road to Devonshire Place.
We
recognise some people may be concerned by the route diversion. The
new proposed route will go along Grand Parade with the upgrade of
the Grand Parade bus stop being included as part of these Phase 2b
proposals, along with the upgrade to the bus stop of Devonshire
Place. This diversion of the bus route to Devonshire Place
has been in place previously when Victoria Place has been closed
for events.
It is
suggested that passengers with limited mobility or a disability who
use the route 99 bus service use the exit at the Grand Parade bus
stop to access Victoria Place and the southern section of Terminus
Road.
ESCC is
still liaising with bus operators to finalise the details on the
rerouted bus routes and stops upgrades.
|
|
Anti-social
behaviour concerns - Representatives
from the Neighbourhood Police Team outlined how the designs need to
take into account previous and current uses of seating and planters
on Terminus Road that have led to anti-social behaviour.
|
The
comments regarding addressing the scheme design needing to consider
anti-social behaviour are noted.
The
current proposed designs include planters that are designed to
reduce their use as seating. The new
proposed seating follows designs that are accessible and inclusive
for users and includes a mixture of single seating and multiple
seating that have arm rests to reduce dwelling time.
As part of
the next stages of design development we will continue to liaise
with key stakeholders ensuring concerns raised regarding the use of
street furniture as part of anti-social behaviour in the town
centre are considered.
|
|
Heritage
comments on the design – Representatives
from heritage interest groups are supportive of trees and boulevard
effect on the design for Victoria Place, have specific comments on
heritage aspects of materials and furniture used, in addition to
wishing to see the consideration of the inclusion of the planters
and gateposts in the design that were previously at Bankers
Corner.
|
We welcome
respondents comments on the heritage aspects of the designs for
Victoria Place.
The
designs for Phase 2b and Victoria Place aim to continue to emulate
and learn from the best practice of design development from Phase
2a.
As part of
the next stages of design development we will continue to liaise
with key stakeholders as part of finalising the detailed designs
including furniture and materials.
|
3.3
Memorial Roundabout
|
Comment
|
ESCC
Response
|
|
Support
for the proposals due to the impact of proposals on improving
safety for pedestrians.
|
We welcome
the comments on how the proposals for Memorial Roundabout works to
improve the pedestrian environment and safety.
Funding
for the construction of Memorial Roundabout is yet to be agreed.
The development of detailed designs will continue in 2023/24
building on feedback gained from this stakeholder and public whilst
we explore for future funding opportunities.
|
|
Concerns
regarding the number of crossing points and congestion -
Concerns
the proposals will increase congestion on the roundabout due to
increasing the number of pedestrian crossings
|
Memorial
Roundabout is currently at a very early design stage as funding is
yet to be agreed for these improvements.
However
all comments received will be considered as the proposals are
developed further including reviewing traffic flow relative to
pedestrian movements at the roundabout at the next design
stage.
|
|
Accessibility
concerns -
The number
of crossings at Memorial Roundabout would be difficult for people
who are partially sighted or blind
|
We note
the comments raised regarding accessibility of the proposed designs
as a result of installing zebra crossings rather than signalised
crossings at Memorial Roundabout.
The
rationale for including Zebra crossings is based on the current
best option given the space provided and the aim to provide
pedestrians (including those with mobility, visual and hidden
disabilities), with greater priority when crossing each arm of the
roundabout compared to introducing signalised crossings where
pedestrians have to wait for the crossing to activate, as well as
slow down vehicle speeds on entry and exist on each arm of the
roundabout.
ESCC will
continue to engage with the local accessibility groups to refine
the proposed design when the funding becomes available to take the
proposals forward to detailed design stage.
|
|
Cycling
infrastructure - Requests
for cycle infrastructure to be included in Designs. For example, a
Dutch style roundabout and cycle lanes
|
The
comments regarding incorporating cycle infrastructure into the
design are noted.
Memorial
Roundabout is currently at a very early design stage as funding is
yet to be agreed for these improvements, however the inclusion of
cycle provision can be considered again as the proposals are
developed further.
|
|
Speed
limits & 20mph - Comments
on implementing 20mph speed limits along Susans and Ashford Roads
and around Memorial Roundabout
|
20mph
speed limits around Memorial Roundabout are not currently part of
the proposed improvements.
For 20mph
speed limits to be effective and supported by the Police, they need
to be self-enforcing. This may necessitate additional
measures, which are outside the scope of this project, to enable
speeds to be brought down to acceptable levels.
|
3.4 Ring
Road Relocation
|
Comment
|
ESCC
Response
|
|
The
majority of responses were neutral in relation to the ring road
however some respondents expressed:
·
General
support for the proposed relocation;
·
the fact
it will remove the level of traffic around the town
centre
·
And that
the relocation supports the other phase 2b proposals
|
The
comments regarding the current plans for the proposed relocation of
the ring road are noted. These will be taken into
consideration when the next stage of design development
commences.
|
|
Concerns
that the proposals will increase highway capacity and traffic
– concerns
that the relocation of the ring road could increase carbon
emissions and highway capacity and that the existing ring road
would continue to be used.
|
The
proposed relocation of the Ring Road aims to create a more
attractive east-west route for vehicles around the edge of town
centre and will reduce the level of through-traffic within the town
centre.
Our
updated traffic modelling shows the introduction of the proposed
new Ring Road route away from Ashford Road and Susans Road to The
Avenue/Upper Avenue and Cavendish Place would generally have
minimal impacts on traffic flows because the route is already
widely used.
Therefore,
we do not believe the relocation of the Ring Road will increase the
carbon footprint in the area overall as the same number of cars
will be using the area but being encouraged to use an alternative
route.
We are not
increasing the highway capacity for motor vehicles. New road signs
and road markings would be installed to formalise the changes to
the Ring Road route and encourage through-traffic to use it rather
than other routes (Ashford Road and Susans Road) closer to the town
centre.
Existing
signs and road markings would be removed along Ashford Road and
Susans Road to make clear this is no longer part of the town centre
Ring Road.
|
|
Need for
cycling infrastructure and speed reductions in ring road relocation
proposals - Segregated
cycle lanes and more cycling infrastructure as well as introducing
20mph speed limits along certain roads are needed as part of new
Ring Road proposals.
|
The
requests for including cycle infrastructure and speed limit
reductions in the ring road relocation proposals are noted and will
be considered as part of the detailed design stage.
|
3.5 Other
themed comments
|
Comment
|
ESCC
Response
|
|
The
proposals are not supporting active travel
|
We are
promoting a pedestrian route through Terminus Road from the station
to the seafront by reallocating space previously used by vehicles
to pedestrians.
By
removing vehicles from Terminus Road and reducing interaction
between pedestrians and other transport users, we hope to encourage
more people to consider walking as an alternative to travelling
into the town centre by car, particularly for shorter
journeys.
Our
designs provide new cycle parking facilities at key entry points
into the town centre to ensure people accessing this area by
cycling can park their cycles securely.
Provisions
for cycle access are also planned as part of complementary schemes
being developed for five new cycle routes in Eastbourne. As part of
this, we will be delivering (currently programmed 2024/25) a new
continuous cycle route from Eastbourne Station to the Devonshire
Quarter and the seafront (via Old Church Road, Saffrons Road,
Grange Road, Carlisle Road and Wilmington Gardens) which received
positive feedback when consulted upon in summer 2021.
|
|
Prioritising
pedestrians over other users
|
Our
proposals aim to create a safer, healthier and more vibrant town
centre where people can live, shop, use services, and spend their
leisure time, as well as support our efforts to encourage people to
use more sustainable modes of travel, helping reduce carbon
emissions and improve air quality.
To do
this, we are giving pedestrians more space and increased priority
over other modes of transport, as well as improving the quality of
pedestrian facilities.
By
upgrading and completing the pedestrianisation of Terminus Road at
Victoria Place we will create a car-free environment; whilst
maintaining necessary delivery access for local businesses (time
limited), which in turn we hope will increase footfall and
encourage more visitors to the town centre, supporting local
businesses and boosting the local economy.
|
|
More
people will choose to travel by car if you remove cycling from
Terminus Road
|
The
pedestrianisation and removal of traffic from the Victoria Place
section of Terminus Road aims to increase the dedicated pedestrian
area in the town centre and therefore reduce pollution that results
from transport being used on this section of the highway and reduce
car usage in the area.
Provisions
for cycle access are also planned as part of complementary schemes
being developed for five new cycle routes in Eastbourne.
Alternative cycle routes are proposed between the rail station and
the seafront which aim to provide infrastructure for cycling to and
from the town centre that received positive feedback when consulted
upon in summer 2021.
|
4.
Next Steps
All of the feedback received as part of this consultation will be
taken into consideration and will feed into the detailed design
stage of the project. The current next stages of design development
for Terminus Road, Memorial Roundabout and Ring Road Relocation
schemes are as outlined below:
|
Terminus
Road Victoria Place Pedestrianisation (Levelling Up
Fund)
|
|
Detailed
Design development
|
Spring – Autumn 2023
|
|
Detailed
Design sign off
|
Autumn/Winter
2023
|
|
Traffic
Regulation Order process
|
Winter 2023
|
|
Construction
starting
|
Spring 2024
|
|
Construction
completion
|
Spring 2025
|
|
Memorial
Roundabout & Ring Road relocation
|
|
Detailed
design development
|
Autumn
2023 – Summer 2024
|
|
Construction
|
TBC
– currently unfunded
|
