FAQs
Why is the scheme required?
The Chichester Westgate scheme is needed to improve the local cycling, wheeling and walking infrastructure in Chichester. It is part of a larger plan to create safe and attractive routes for pedestrians, cyclists and people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as enhance public transportation. The scheme aims to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of residents while also benefiting the local economy, reducing pollution, and addressing climate change.
By implementing this scheme, Chichester aims to meet national targets of making cycling, wheeling and walking the preferred choices for urban journeys by 2030. The proposed improvements will connect key areas in Chichester, link to the proposed Chem Route for better connectivity with Emsworth and align with other development projects in the area.
Are these options LTN 1/20 compliant?
The proposals have been designed in accordance with national design guidance for cycling, including the Local Transport Note 1/20 (Opens in new tab), which provides advice on delivering high-quality cycle infrastructure. The impact of the scheme on all road users has been considered, to ensure that the needs of everyone are met, whilst facilitating safer and easier journeys for cyclists, pedestrians and people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
I live along one of the proposed routes. Will I still be able to access my driveway?
Yes, existing access to driveways will be maintained.
How will planting along the route be impacted? Will trees be removed?
The designs are currently at an early stage. Under the current proposals, up to eight trees could potentially be removed from the planters in the central section of the scheme (on Westgate between Sherborne Road and Parklands Road), and areas of grass verge would be removed to make space for the cycle track but we would aim to retain planters/tress wherever possible. It is proposed that any areas of grass verge and trees that are removed will be replaced and re-provided in other areas.
*Please note that this FAQ was updated on 4 July. It previously indicated that no trees would be impacted by the proposals.
How will parking along the route be impacted?
The main impact on parking would be in the central section of the scheme. Both options would see double yellow lines introduced between Sherborne Road and Tannery Close. The current double yellow lines would remain between Tannery Close and Henty Gardens.
In the eastern section, between Henty Gardens and Orchard Street Roundabout, no changes to parking are proposed and the current on-street parking would remain.
What impact will these proposals have on traffic in neighbouring roads?
The proposals include plans to restrict traffic in parts of the scheme to residents (permit holders), taxis and buses only. Depending on the feedback received through this engagement period, we hope that this project will progress to the detailed design phase. At this point we would carry out traffic modelling to get a better understanding of traffic flows and origin destination survey in the study area and how these trends could change if these proposals are introduced.
Why is West Street not included in the scheme?
Proposals for public realm improvements in West Street are being considered as part of the Chichester Growth Programme.
Will the proposed cycle track on Fishbourne Road East connect to the existing cycle track that runs under the A27 towards Fishbourne?
Yes, it is proposed that the existing cycle track connects to the proposed cycle track on Fishbourne Road East through a raised table giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists and people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
ChEmRoute (west of the A27) is being developed as part of the National Highways developments.
Are these proposals part of the Whitehouse Farm development?
The Chichester Westgate scheme is not part of the Whitehouse Farm development. However, it would tie in with the proposals for Westgate between the railway line and Sherbourne Road and the conversion of the existing Orchard Street Roundabout junction to a ‘Dutch’ style roundabout, which are being led by the Whitehouse Farm developers Miller Homes and Linden Homes. We are working with the developers to ensure that the two schemes tie together.
Are these proposals part of the ChEmRoute?
This scheme links to the wider ChEmRoute proposals, which aim to improve infrastructure between Chichester and Emsworth, while reducing traffic and improving air quality. The proposals west of the A27 are being developed by National Highways. We are liaising with National Highways to ensure that the two schemes tie together.
I can’t attend the in-person event, but I want to speak to a member of the project team. What should I do?
We are holding an in-person event for these walking, wheeling and cycling improvements on Monday 3 July 2023, 4:30pm to 7pm at County Hall in Chichester. The event will be attended by members of the project team responsible for the proposals, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you are unable to attend the event and would like to speak to a member of the project team, please email us at activetravel@westsussex.gov.uk (opens in new tab) and we will do our best to assist you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop, or smartphone, you can also contact us on 18001 (01243 642105).
How much will the scheme cost and how is it being funded?
West Sussex County Council has been awarded more than £150,000 of investment from the Department for Transport’s Capability Fund. This funding has enabled us to develop our next package of cycling, wheeling and walking schemes.
The proposed Cycling and Walking Improvement scheme in Chichester (the focus of this webpage) forms one of three Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) schemes currently under development.
At the end of the early engagement period the feedback will be carefully analysed and we will share a summary engagement report on the scheme webpage. If we decide to progress the scheme, the feedback used will help to develop more detailed designs. These designs would then be presented as part of a further consultation period.
Subject to the outcome of the engagement and consultation periods, we would look to apply for the Government’s Active Travel Funding in 2024. The scheme is currently estimated to cost around £1.5m.
When would you expect the scheme to be built?
At the end of the early engagement period the feedback will be carefully analysed and we will share a summary engagement report on the scheme webpage. The report will contain the analysis of the types of responses received and will help us in our decision making about the designs.
If we decide to progress the scheme, the feedback used will help to develop more detailed designs. These designs would then be presented as part of a further consultation period.
To begin construction, we would need to prepare a business case, complete all necessary statutory processes (such as planning), and secure funding from central Government for the project. It is estimated that construction could be complete approximately two years after funding has been secured.
Why can't the funding be used to repair potholes?
Capital funding can only be used to develop and build new infrastructure and can't be used to repair potholes or to carry out other maintenance.
Will visitors, delivery vehicles, etc be able to reach my property if vehicular access is restricted?
Yes, visitors and delivery vehicles would still be able to access properties. The way this is done would depend upon which option (if any) is taken forward.