FAQs
What work is being proposed?
Following recent cycle track work at Hurst Meadow we are exploring options for extending the cycling route eastwards, on the line of the northernmost Public Footpath 65Hu between St George’s Lane and Highfield Drive. If the scheme is supported it would involve surfacing the path and providing drainage.
Would the proposed cycle track continue from Highfield Drive, eastwards to College Lane?
No there are no proposals to upgrade the path to the east of Highfield Drive as an alternative route is available via Highfield Drive.
Is the path wide enough?
The path would be nominally 2m wide (measured fence to fence)
Whilst there is no statutory minimum width, current design guidance (LTN 1/20) (opens in new window) suggests that the path should ideally be 4m wide measured fence to fence. The stated absolute minimum width at constraints is 3m. Both these widths include half a metre clearance to the fence on each side.
It would not be possible to comply with the latest design guidance. It would therefore be necessary to build the path to a reduced width, which would require widespread public support. The path would need to be used with care, with users giving way to each other.
Is third party land required to deliver this scheme?
Third party land would not be impacted unless the adjacent landowners volunteer their land for this purpose.
Will the path have separate sides for walking and cycling?
Due the restricted width it would not be possible to provide separation between walkers and cyclists.
Why the need for a public engagement exercise?
If this public engagement exercise identifies significant levels of support across all user groups, then we would proceed to design the scheme and undertake the formal statutory consultation required to permit cycling on this path.
The reclassification of the path as a cycleway would require a legal process to be followed that could include a Public Inquiry, and there is no guarantee that the process will succeed. We need to understand whether the scheme is likely to have sufficient levels of support before committing further resources towards the design.
When will this happen?
If we do not receive objections and the decision is made to proceed, the earliest the works would take place would be Spring/Summer 2026.
How would a scheme be funded?
If a scheme were to proceed it would be funded by West Sussex County Council as part of its Local Transport Improvements Programme. We would also look to identify external funding from sources such as developer contributions that could be used to support the proposal.