LAND TO THE SOUTH OF REEDS LANE, SAYERS COMMON

PROJECT

We were approached by Berkley Latimer to support them with a proposed allocation in Mid Sussex District Council District Plan for up to 2,000 dwellings, 5,000-9,000m2 of land use class E, 2,000-4,000m2 of retail/ community space, and 6 permanent traveller pitches. The allocation would include an all-through school and a variety of services and amenities to benefit future and existing residents in the area.

APPROACH

We prepared a Mobility Strategy for the site in accordance with latest best practice and guidance focusing on supporting and enabling active and sustainable travel in and around the site. The strategy includes Mobility Hubs within the development, an improved bus service, and improvements to the existing cycle network.

In addition preliminary designs of the site access points were prepared demonstrating that the illustrative masterplan accesses are deliverable. This included a roundabout, two priority junctions with ghost island right turn lanes, and a signal-controlled junction providing bus priority onto a proposed sustainable travel corridor.

We engaged with key stakeholders including Mid Sussex District Council, West Sussex County Council, car club operators, bike share providers and existing local bus operators to seek their support for the scheme as well as the strategy being proposed. We assessed the potential impact of the proposals on the A23 in the Council’s strategic model and in the context of the National Highways District Plan engagement.

OUTCOME

The site was included within the 2023 draft district plan that was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination in Public. We attended the first round of examination consultation and are awaiting future engagement.