PLANS to introduce new bus lanes along Seaside and St Anthony’s Avenue in Eastbourne have taken a major step forward after East Sussex County Council’s planning committee agreed to progress the scheme.
At a meeting on Wednesday (October 15), councillors voted not to uphold objections to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and recommended that it be made as advertised, effectively paving the way for the bus lane project to go ahead.
The decision follows many months of consultation and public opposition from local traders and residents, who have voiced concerns that the scheme will remove vital parking spaces and harm businesses along the busy A259 route.
Business owners, including those from Seaside, previously marched to Lewes Town Hall to protest against the plans, saying the council had failed to listen to the community.
The meeting heard that 581 representations were made during the consultation period – 544 of them objected the scheme.
Jodie Atherton from DB Domestic Appliances said today’s outcome was a major disappointment.
She told Eastbourne News: “It’s a real blow for us. We were hoping the council would take on board the feedback from residents and businesses, but they’ve pressed on regardless.
“If they actually listened to the people of Eastbourne, they could come up with something that works for everyone and genuinely gets more people using buses.”
Lee Westlake, who runs Armoury Security & Fire in Seaside, said he fears the project could force businesses to relocate.
He said: “If the plans go ahead, I’d have to move my business away. Parking is already difficult without taking away more spaces.
“Would this plan really get more people on buses? I doubt it — they’re already running almost empty most of the day.”
Supporters, however, say the scheme is an important part of modernising Eastbourne’s transport network.
Paul Humphreys from Eastbourne Eco Action Network said: “Bus lanes along Seaside should be good for passengers. They will also play a vital role in improving overall mobility in Eastbourne, giving people greater transport choices and helping to improve the local environment.”
With the committee’s recommendation agreed, the final approval now rests with the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.
