Site Access
Access to the site will be re-provided through a priority-controlled junction slightly north of its existing location onto the B2218, which will enable continuous vehicle routing through the site.
Footways, measuring 2.0m in width, will be provided either side of the site access roads onto the B2218 to tie into the existing footway network. Dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be provided to enable safe and continuous pedestrian movement into the site. The access has been designed in accordance with the Manual for Streets and West Sussex County Council Design Guidance.
Cycle and pedestrian connections
In addition to the footways at the site access, cycle and pedestrian connectivity along Bridleway HSC-9HU will be maintained. The removal of traffic from the route arising from the new school access arrangements will enhance the route.
There are footways along either side of the B2118 which provide the main walking route between the site and local facilities in Sayers Common. In addition to the footway network, there are a series of PRoW connections that connect the site to the wider recreational PRoW network. Bridleway 9Hu routes through the northern extent of the site and continues west onto Twineham Lane. Footpath 27Hu provides a connection underneath the A23 and provides recreational walking routes towards Hurstpierpoint and Burgess Hill to the east. The footpath can be accessed from Berrylands Farm and connects with Footpath 24Hu.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stops to the site are located along the B2118. Both northbound and southbound stops are located on the B2118 and a comfortable walking distance of circa 100m from the site. Bus service 100 operates from these bus stops on an hourly basis on Mondays to Saturdays and serves Burgess Hill, Storrington, Pulborough, Billingshurst and Horsham. Similarly, bus service 273 runs between Brighton and Crawley and also serves the bus stops opposite the site. The service also operates circa every hour on Mondays to Sundays. School bus service 331 also operates twice a day in the morning and afternoon from the bus stops to Downlands School.
The closest railway station to the site is Burgess Hill, located c.6km east of the development. There are 64 cycle storage spaces and 141 car parking spaces, with the station providing frequent services to key destinations including Central London, Brighton, Gatwick Airport and Cambridge. The station can be accessed via bus route 100 from the bus stop directly opposite the site.
The site is well located to take up the opportunities for sustainable travel – local facilities and services are nearby, as is a frequent bus service to destinations further afield. The site will be supported by a comprehensive mobility strategy which will include the implementation of a bespoke Travel Plan and dedicated Travel Plan Co-ordinator for the site.