Decision details

To consider responses to the stakeholder and public consultation exercises on the proposed introduction of a four arm roundabout at the Ersham Road/South Road/Diplocks Way junction in Hailsham and seek approval to progress the scheme to design and construction.

27.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport along with written comments from Councillor Gerard Fox as a Local Member for the proposed roundabout.

DECISIONS

27.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Note the outcome of the public consultation to introduce a four-arm roundabout at the Ersham Road/Diplocks Way/South Road junction in Hailsham; and

(2) Agree that the scheme progress to detailed design and construction.

REASONS

27.3     The Movement and Access Strategy for Hailsham and Hellingly (MASHH), and more recently the 2018 Wealden Local Plan Transport Study, identified the need to improve the Ersham Road/South Road mini-roundabout and South Road/Diplocks Way junction to support the planned housing and employment growth in Hailsham.

27.4     Proposals have been developed to replace the existing two junctions with a single four arm roundabout in order to help reduce congestion and queuing in the area, improve accessibility to the town centre and employment areas, improve active travel and public travel choices as well as improve safety for all users. 

27.5     To accommodate the proposed new roundabout necessitated the de-designation of the Ersham triangle village green.  Following submission of an application to the Planning Inspectorate by Wealden District Council, Hailsham Town Council and the County Council, the village green was de-designated in May 2022 with alternative provision being provided elsewhere in the south of the town.

27.6     The results of the public consultation undertaken in April/May 2022 show that there is a strong level of support for the introduction of a single four arm roundabout at the Ersham Road/Diplocks Way/South Road junction.