East Sussex BSIP - A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade, Eastbourne - Consultation to remove one tree on A259 Station Parade

Overview

The East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) A259 Upperton Road/Station Parade, Eastbourne scheme aims to improve the reliability of bus services by reducing delays. This includes measures to help buses move more efficiently through the roundabout and align correctly with bus stops for safer and easier boarding.

As part of these proposals, a new eastbound bus lane is planned on the A259 Station Parade between Wharf Road and the railway station. To accommodate this, changes to the existing road layout are required.

To achieve the necessary carriageway width, while maintaining suitable pavement widths, one silver birch tree has been identified for removal. The tree is located on the edge of the kerb on the north side of the A259 Station Parade, outside No. 3 Station Parade.

The screenshot below from the Tree Constraints Plan shows the tree (T1) identified for removal:

The tree’s proximity to the kerbline, combined with the requirement to widen the carriageway for the bus lane, means that its removal is necessary.

The images below show the silver birch tree proposed for removal (photos dated May 2026 ):

Design Development and Options Considered

A number of design approaches were explored to determine whether the tree could be retained while still meeting the objectives of the scheme.

Following further design development, two options were considered that would avoid the need to remove the tree. These are outlined below:

Click here to view the option drawings.

Option A - Moving of roundabout

Option B - Retention of existing layout

Both options introduced conflicts with vehicle movements, potential impacts on underground utilities, additional construction costs and potential risks to the tree roots system during construction.

Conclusion

The options assessed demonstrated that retaining the tree would compromise safety, reduce the effectiveness of the bus priority measures, or introduce further constraints to the scheme.

The removal of one moderate-quality tree is considered necessary to deliver the scheme, particularly the introduction of bus priority measures and improvements to accessibility at the station. The tree also lies directly within the footprint of the required highway works.

As a result, it has not been possible to retain this tree while meeting the objectives of the scheme.

Replanting Proposals

Replacement planting is proposed as part of the scheme to compensate for the loss of this tree.

The Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) identifies that suitable new tree planting will be required to provide an appropriate level of mitigation. Opportunities for replacement planting within the immediate area may be limited, and alternative locations may therefore be considered as part of the wider scheme.