Listen to Audio Version below: Sponsored by Sussex Audiology Centre
A TREE at the centre of Eastbourne’s controversial bus lane proposals has been officially marked for possible removal, with a public consultation now underway.
A notice erected on the silver birch outside That Coffee Place in Station Approach today (Friday, 29 May) confirms East Sussex County Council is considering removing the tree as part of its planned bus lane scheme near Eastbourne railway station.
The notice states that, under powers contained within the Environment Act 2021 and Highways Act 1980, the authority is consulting on the proposed removal as part of improvements linked to the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The plans include a new eastbound bus lane on the A259 Station Parade between Wharf Road and Eastbourne railway station. According to the council, changes to the existing road layout are required to accommodate the scheme.
The notice explains that removing the tree would allow the necessary carriageway width to be achieved while maintaining suitable pavement space for pedestrians.
It states: “To achieve the necessary carriageway width, while maintaining suitable pavement widths, this silver birch tree is proposed for removal to facilitate the works.”
The council says replacement tree planting would be provided elsewhere within the scheme as mitigation for the loss.
The development comes just days after business owners and residents staged a public protest outside That Coffee Place, voicing concerns over the wider bus lane proposals and the potential loss of the tree, which has become a focal point of opposition to the project.
Campaigners argue the tree forms an important part of the streetscape outside the café and have questioned whether alternative designs could avoid its removal.
The consultation runs until Friday, 26 June, with residents invited to submit their views in writing before a final decision is made.
Residents wishing to take part in the consultation must submit their feedback before the deadline for their views to be considered. Click here to visit the consultation website.
