Fears ancient bridleway in Mid Sussex is facing ‘irreversible destruction’

They say Theobalds Road bridleway, which runs from Valebridge Road in Burgess Hill to Lewes, is ‘facing imminent, irreversible, destruction’.

Mid Sussex District Council is looking to create a cycleway which runs from Burgess Hill to Haywards Heath.

The plans are part of the £21.8million Place and Connectivity Programme aimed at creating improved, high quality walking and cycling routes and improved public space.

One of several routes being considered is to extend Theobalds Road bridleway, which is a public right of way between Valebridge Road in Burgess Hill and the Fox Hill area of Haywards Heath.

But Theobalds Road Residents’ Association members say this would ‘destroy the natural, unspoiled, ancient historic character of the bridleway and its ecology forever’.

Sarah Roberts, vice chairman of the residents’ association, said: “We are talking about an unspoiled gem.

“They are going to destroy an asset which already provides a horse riding and walking route.”

Sarah said residents’ concerns have been ‘stonewalled’ by the district council.

“MSDC conducted a second public consultation in May-June this year to find out what local people and key stakeholders think about its ambition to develop Theobalds ancient bridleway into an urbanised cycleway,” she said.

“At a public full council meeting on July 22, we were assured by councillor Judy Llewellyn-Burke, chairman of Burgess Hill’s Place and Connectivity Programme, that the results of their consultation would be published by mid-August.

“But this was not published until September 29, the day after the closing deadline for the Planning Inspector’s Regulation 19 Final consultation – the final deadline for public comments on MSDC’s development plans which includes the Burgess Hill-Haywards Heath cycleways.

“We have seen no justification, no user numbers, no costs to prove that the destruction of this ancient public bridleway for an urbanised cycleway is wanted, needed or in the public’s interest.

“Public opinion and all evidence have been buried and the Theobalds Road Residents’ Association stonewalled by MSDC at every stage.”

In response, councillor Judy Llewellyn-Burke, deputy leader of the district council, said: “Sustainable transport options have never been more important and safe routes for walkers and cyclists between Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath would be of huge benefit to residents in both towns. One of several routes being considered is the option to improve the existing public right of way between Valebridge Road in Burgess Hill and the Fox Hill area of Haywards Heath.

“By resurfacing the route with an appropriate finish and improving drainage, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders would be able to travel safely between Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath all year round without having to rely on the busy roads which link the two towns.

“We’re actively engaging with the local community on these proposals and so far we’ve carried out two public consultations to gather feedback. A full report is available online at www.burgesshill.net.

“We are listening carefully to the views of local people and we are updating our proposals to take account of the responses we have received, including analysis of alternative routes put forward during our most recent consultation.

“This project is very much a work in progress but we hope to share our updated plans before the end of the year, and we continue to welcome further feedback from local residents.”

Robert Eggleston, Burgess Hill town Council leader and member of the working party looking at the Burgess Hill to Haywards Heath cycleway, said: “At the working party looking at the Burgess Hill to Haywards Heath cycle route I expressed a lot of concern about the suitability of the Theobalds bridleway as the preferred cycleway to connect Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath.

“My reservations were shared by other members.

“Nine other potential routes have been identified and it was made clear that these options should be fully explored before any decisions are made and we received assurances that they would be.

“I don’t think any of us on the working party are expecting any final decisions to be made before members have had a chance to thoroughly review the results of the analysis of all other options.

“Burgess Hill Town Council has also stated that it does not support the Theobalds bridleway as the preferred choice for the cycleway.”

Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies also said: “I have been engaging with the concerned Theobalds Road resident’s group for a number of months and passing on their upset and worried thoughts.

“They have expressed their real angst about the possible impact of a significant change of use of this local bridleway which I understand is one of a number of different potential new cycle routes that are being explored at this time.

“It is important all interested parties come together to discuss options and opportunities and I have tried to facilitate this conversation and increase understanding.

“Constituents more broadly have been clear they want a green recovery from Covid-19 and they wish to see more low carbon transport options in Mid Sussex and want policies which support this outcome.

“We need to protect our green spaces where possible and progress in the best way to support local life and a commitment to a greener future.”

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield added: “Residents in Theobald’s Road have been fighting off development of the bridleway for years now, from housing to this latest proposal for a cycle route.

“I hope the council listens to the genuine concerns that residents have.”