Egrets Way Project – Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Egrets Way an SDNPA priority project?
Yes. Egrets Way is an important strategic multi-user path in the SDNPA Active Travel Network Plan and the East Sussex County Council Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). It connects Lewes and Newhaven and provides a link between the coastal National Cycle Route 2 (NCN2) with the South Downs Way at Southease and Regional Route (NCR90) in Lewes which extends eastwards to Polegate and westwards to the universities in Falmer and beyond to Brighton.
The project is in tandem with the National Park’s goal of creating more opportunities for people to access nature, as well as encouraging sustainable transport as a positive step towards climate action.
- How was the route chosen?
The Egrets Way route was identified following a feasibility study in 2011/12 commissioned by the Ouse Valley Cycle Network (OVCN) and undertaken by Sustrans. The brief was to prepare a feasibility study for a safe, shared route for cyclists, walkers, push-chair users and less able people between Lewes and Newhaven for recreational and utility use to encourage sustainable and healthy lifestyles. The study concluded a route on the west side of the Ouse would provide greater benefits and links for the parish communities of Kingston, Iford, Swanborough, Rodmell, Southease and Piddinghoe. Planning consent for most of the route was secured in 2013. SDNPA and appointed consultants the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) are currently working with stakeholders to establish a scheme design for the final section at Piddinghoe. The scheme will be subject to a public planning application in the future.
- What sections of the Egrets Way are complete?
Egrets Way is almost complete. Approximately 10km of the consented route has been constructed and many connecting bridleways and associated gates have also been improved. Discussions are on-going to address a short section of Egrets Way which is an unsurfaced bridleway north of Southease. SDNPA are currently working with appointed consultants the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) and stakeholders to establish a scheme design for the final ‘missing’ section at Piddinghoe. See Egrets Way Phase7 below.
- Can I view a map of the Egrets Way?
Yes. Here is the overview map which shows the completed sections and connections with nearby villages and amenities.
- What is happening on the final ‘missing’ section at Piddinghoe known as Egrets Way Phase 7?
The purpose of Egrets Way Phase7 is to develop a new shared-use path of approximately 800m length, to connect the existing roadside path of Egrets Way opposite Chapel Barn / Deans Farm with The Street in Piddinghoe village, thereby closing the missing link in the Egrets Way. The project aims are to provide
- A safe route for all users of Egrets Way between The Street, Piddinghoe and Chapel Barn
- Reduction of highway speeds on the C7 at Piddinghoe (current speed limit is 50mph)
- Improved pedestrian access to the village bus stops
- Improved sense of place and arrival at Piddinghoe on the C7
- Improved safety for vehicles and non-motorised users crossing and joining the C7 from Harping Hill and The Street
The South Downs National Park Authority appointed consultants Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) in September 2024 to deliver Stage 1 optioneering of the Egrets Way Phase7 to undertake feasibility work including preliminary ecological and topographical surveys; develop path alignment and design proposals; stakeholder engagement with statutory organisations and landowners.
Reaching agreement with multiple stakeholders for a workable scheme is a complex process and can take many months to achieve. Once a suitable scheme has been identified further technical studies will be required to inform design development, cost estimates and negotiations. Stage 2 would involve developing a planning application for statutory bodies and public scrutiny and the consented scheme would then move into Stage 3 Delivery and Construction.
- How far has Egrets Way Phase 7 progressed so far?
In September / October 2024 landowners adjacent to the C7 were approached to discuss the project and be advised of pending ground survey work. A residents meeting was held in October, prior to a public meeting in November to launch the project to the Piddinghoe community.
Data gathering commenced thereafter and has included site analysis, preliminary ecological assessment, initial arboricultural assessment, topographical survey, desktop utility services searches, highway boundary and landowner boundary mapping, and active traffic count at four sites on the C7 at Piddinghoe. Liaison with the SaferC7 project and appointed consultants identified synergies between the two projects including the aim of traffic speed reduction along the C7 and improved crossing points. Design proposals between both projects have been coordinated to ensure alignment. Shared interventions include new village gateway features, improved crossing points, improved access to public transport, and complementary design features to reduce traffic speeds.
Spring 2025
Initial option concepts were developed to comply with Department for Transport Highway Design Standards, East Sussex County Council Highways Policy, Sussex Police requirements, Department for Transport Cycle Infrastructure Design (LTN1/20) and Active Travel England. Ultimately any proposed scheme and traffic calming measures within the highwaymust be approved by ESCC Highways and Sussex Police; cycling and walking infrastructure receiving central government funding also needs Active Travel England approval.
Initial option concepts were constrained within the existing highway demise, which is quite restricted, especially in the vicinity of Harping Hill where the total available width between physical property boundaries is 8-9m. ESCC has confirmed the minimum acceptable carriageway width is 5.5m and design guidance recommends the desirable minimum width of a shared use path is 3m plus an additional 0.5m where vertical boundaries are present (such as a wall or fence); the recommended horizontal separation between the path and the carriageway is 0.5m – 1m depending on the carriageway speeds between 30 – 40mph. To remain within the highway demise options needed to include elements that vary from approved standards requiring consultation with the responsible organisations listed above.
Two options were developed, both providing traffic calming measures and a safe, level, mixed-use path from The Street in Piddinghoe village to the roadside path opposite Chapel Barn to the north: Option A ‘Riverside’ and Option B ‘Non-riverside’
Summer 2025
Private consultations were undertaken in May 2025 with three landowners who would be most impacted by the proposals and Option B ‘Non-riverside’ emerged as the preferred approach, although owners expressed strong concerns where works are expected to infringe on established boundary features. Prior to further consultations, residents living and working near the C7 collectively formed the North Piddinghoe Landowners Association (NPLA) and expressed frustration over the lack of assurance that a speed reduction to 30mph or below is achievable at this stage and support for either option was withdrawn.
In response to comments raised and subsequent NPLA challenges, the Project Team undertook further design development and review with ESCC road safety team input to explore if further traffic calming measures and path designs can be developed to warrant ESCC support to a speed reduction to 30mph limit. Another challenge was to consider if option proposals could reduce the impact on established boundary features.
December 2025
SDNPA held a public meeting on 16 December 2025 chaired by District Councillor Stella Spiteri, to review the longstanding concerns about safety on the C7 at Piddinghoe and the demands for speed limit reductions and traffic calming measures raised by the NPLA and Piddinghoe community. The aim was to provide a clearer understanding of those concerns and obtain a shared understanding of the highway policy constraints and potential improvement measures proposed by the Safer C7 project and Egrets Way Phase 7. Representatives from ESCC Highways, SaferC7 Project and Egrets Way presented and responded directly to C7 safety concerns and related complex matters raised by NPLA and the Piddinghoe community. A record of the public meeting is available on Piddinghoe Parish Council website.
2026
The latest proposed concept option drawings and supporting information will be available to view for the first time at two public events at Piddinghoe village hall on 11 February at 18:00-19:30 and 12 February 10:00-11:30. SDNPA and appointed design consultants Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) will guide everyone through each design, explain the parameters and reasons for specific elements and respond to questions raised.
The February meetings constitute a public launch of a community consultation on both options A ‘Riverside’ and B ‘Non-riverside’. The options presented will include various revisions from previous drafts discussed since early 2025 and as such will be new to all. A Concept Options Consultation opens on 13 February to gain community feedback on the proposals. Details of the consultation will be published here and will close at midnight on 15 March.
Next steps
Following the consultation further technical and geo-technical studies will be required to clarify technical challenges and inform detailed design solutions (such as ground stabilisation) as part of proposal development and future stakeholder engagement necessary to conclude Stage1.
- Can I view proposed options for Egrets Way Phase 7 at Piddinghoe?
The latest proposed concept option drawings and supporting information will be available to view at two public events at Piddinghoe village Hall on 11 February at 18:00-19:30 and 12 February 10:00-11:30. SDNPA and appointed design consultants Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) will guide everyone through each design, explain the parameters and reasons for specific elements and respond to questions raised.
A Concept Options Consultation opens on 13 February to gain community feedback on the proposals which will help us to understand the level of community support for each scheme, respond to questions and plan for the next steps in consultation with stakeholders.
Details of the consultation along with online concept drawings and plans will be published here and will close at midnight on 15 March.
- Is Egrets Way traffic free?
The current extent of Egrets Way includes some quiet lanes in Piddinghoe village and Lewes. For the moment, users also must cross the busy C7 road and use Public Rights of Way between Piddinghoe and Dean’s Farm which are unsurfaced and quite steep (see map).
SDNPA are currently working with stakeholders to design and develop the final phase of Egrets Way between Piddinghoe and Dean’s Farm to provide a continuous path for users segregated from the C7 road.
- Who can use Egrets Way?
All sections of Egrets Way are accessible for pedestrians and wheeled users including the less able (including wheelchair and mobility scooter users) and cyclists. Please note the Public Rights of Way between Piddinghoe and Chapel Barn / Dean’s Farm are quite steep and unsurfaced which are not suitable for the less able. Also, the unsurfaced bridleway section north of Southease can be very muddy when wet and difficult to traverse.
Equestrians are only allowed to use the public bridleways and the bridleway section north of Southease to the Rodmell public bridleway link. Piddinghoe stables adjacent to the sailing club, have private access rights to traverse between Newhaven and Piddinghoe.
- Who is funding the Egrets Way project?
Egrets Way is being funded from a range of sources, including Active Travel England, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and South Downs National Park Trust donations. Funding for previous sections of the project have included National Highways, Lewes District Council CIL, SDNPA CIL, DEFRA and The Worshipful Company of Grocers.
- When the route is completed, who will maintain it?
Egrets Way is a permissive path and the SDNPA is responsible for the ongoing management and maintenance of the route supported by local community groups. East Sussex County Council remain responsible for adjoining Public Rights of Way. Please report any concerns with the path or gates along Egrets Way to Access@Southdowns.gov.uk
- How can I be kept updated on progress?
This page will be updated as and when there are updates to share.