MSDC have a lesser, but still important, role in this project as the Planning Authority.  A key feature of the project is how it connects with other paths and quiet roads in the area.  This is indicated on the plan in the Executive Summary of the report and also described in Section 6 under ‘Connectivity’ (paragraph 6,14 in particular).

The Walstead Park development (currently under construction) has a planned path through it which would connect with the proposed SHLAT path.  This would provide excellent connectivity with other routes leading to Lindfield and Haywards Heath.  However, the Walstead Park path is shown on the approved Planning drawings as a pedestrian only path and is programmed to be constructed by the end of this year.  SHLAT has been in discussion with the developers, who are prepared to widened and/or re-align the path to make it suitable for bi-directional cycling and pedestrian traffic, provided that it does not adversely affect their planning approval.  MSDC seem minded to treat any such change as a non-material amendment, meaning it could fairly easily be changed.  The additional cost of this work could be provided either from the existing S106 monies held by WSCC or from the S106 contribution from the Walstead Park development itself.

It would therefore be helpful if your e-mail refers to how important and urgent it is to get the Walstead Park path built now to be suitable for cycling and walking using S106 funds, rather than modifying it at some later date at greater expense.  Your e-mail should be sent to Robert Eggleston, Leader of the Council, with copies to SHLAT and to your local MSDC Councillors (most wards have two Councillors) to say why you support the project and hope that MSDC can assist with the planning aspects for realising the scheme.

Relevant e-mail addresses are:-

To:   Robert Eggleston, Leader of the Council  robert.eggleston@midsussex.gov.uk

cc:  SHLAT group   shlat@btinternet.com

AND EITHER

cc:   Paul Brown,                District Councillor for Lindfield Rural & High Weald  paul.brown@midsussex.gov.uk

cc:   Lorraine Carvalho,    District Councillor for Lindfield Rural & High Weald  Lorraine.Carvalho@midsussex.gov.uk

OR

cc:   Anne-Marie Cooke,   District Councillor for Lindfield    anne-marie.cooke@midsussex.gov.uk

cc:   Cavan Wood,              District Councillor for Lindfield    cavan.wood@midsussex.gov.uk

If you do not live in either the Lindfield Rural & High Weald ward or the Lindfield ward, or are unsure, then you can check who your local Councillor at MSDC is by clicking here and entering your postcode, which will give you the name and e-mail address of your local Councillor(s).