Why is there a cycle path in the design? What would you say to people who rather use it as an overflow carpark?
The unmade-up road is part of the C2 national cycle route and as such we have to design to include it. Unlike the existing ruts and pot holes, we now have to abide by new and much higher specifications for cycle tracks ie surface materials and dimensions to accommodate a wider range of wheeled vehicles. The road is also part of the Vanguard Way footpath and we have to respect that too. Again with much higher specifications for disabled vehicles and children’s buggies etc. The meanders are in part to give a suitable gradient for these vehicles.
It isn’t our remit to choose what else the road could be used for. STC owns the land and have agreed to our proposals for the garden. They do not see the site as part of their parking strategy for Seaford.
Other proposals for parking eg in the Martello Fields is in their jurisdiction and will be decided by normal local authority processes.
An important reason for changing the use of the road is to encourage cycling, walking and public transport and to reduce car use in the town – i.e. to lead more sustainable lives.
We realise that people are concerned about the wider implications of the garden eg. Use of public toilets, parking. These are topics much greater than us creating problems for years! BUT we have stressed these issues with the local authority representatives (both at the Open Meeting last month and at meetings of the SCP directors). They have taken note.
Residents who feel strongly about these wider issues (let’s hope most of us..) need to address them too with their councillors, go to local council meetings, write to their MP, be active in promoting change. This garden can’t address them all.
