East Sussex BSIP - A259 Seaford Road and Denton Roundabout, Newhaven - Consultation to remove trees on Mount Road

Overview

The East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) A259 Seaford Road and Denton Roundabout, Newhaven scheme aims to improve bus journey time reliability, allow a wider range of services (including express routes) to serve the area, and enhance the overall operation of the bus network.

As part of these proposals, a new bus interchange is planned to the north-east of Denton Roundabout, connecting directly with Mount Road and the A259 Seaford Road. To accommodate this, changes to the existing highway layout are required within vegetated areas around Mount Road.

As a result, three tree groups (G8, G9 and G13) have been identified for complete or partial removal.

• Group G13 is proposed for complete removal (12 Trees in total)
• Groups G8 and G9 are proposed for partial removal and vegetation clearance (2 trees in total)

The screenshot below from the Tree Retention Plan (TRP) shows the tree groups identified for removal (removals hatched in red)

A detailed site assessment has confirmed that a total of 14 individual trees ( ≥80mm stem diameter) are proposed to be removed to facilitate the proposed works. These comprise:

• 12 trees within group G13
• 1 tree within group G8
• 1 tree within group G9

The majority of these trees are young and located within dense, unmanaged vegetation, rather than being individually prominent or well‑established features. As such, they make a relatively limited contribution both individually and as part of the wider group.

Overall, the trees are considered to be of low quality, and their removal is not expected to result in a significant loss of visual amenity, If removed the area will be replanted with 17 trees.

The images below show the tree groups proposed for complete or partial removal: (photos dated August 2024):




Group 13 - 12 trees proposed for removal (including sycamore, strawberry tree, common hawthorn, common ash, holm oak and elder)

Group 8 - 1 tree proposed for removal (elder)

Group 9 - 1 tree proposed for removal (elder)

Design Development

Throughout the design process, the layout of the bus interchange has been developed and refined to minimise impacts on existing trees where possible.

At the detailed design stage, the remaining impacts are limited to vegetation within the proposed bus interchange area. The removal of trees is required to accommodate key elements of the design, including:

• Bus‑only access lanes into the interchange
• Bus stop infrastructure
• Space for buses to enter, stop and exit safely
• Provision for pedestrian and cycle movement within the interchange

These features are necessary to ensure the interchange operates safely and effectively for all users. The available space is limited by the existing road layout and surrounding features, and sufficient space is required to safely accommodate bus movements and provide accessible pedestrian routes. As a result, to accommodate the requirements of the bus interchange within the constraints of the site, the removal of these trees is required.

Replanting Proposals

Replacement planting is proposed as part of the scheme to compensate for the loss of existing trees.

A total of 14 trees are proposed for removal, and the scheme includes the planting of 17 new trees within the area. 

In addition to tree planting, the proposals include new areas of planting and landscaping to improve the overall appearance of the site.

Conclusion

The proposed tree removals have been reduced as far as possible through the design process and are limited to low-quality vegetation only. No higher quality trees are affected.

The removal of 14 individual trees within groups G8, G9 and G13 is considered necessary to deliver the scheme, particularly the new bus interchange and associated walking and cycling improvements.

These trees are not prominent or well‑established features, and their removal is therefore not expected to significantly affect the appearance of the area.

New planting and landscaping proposals will help to replace and enhance green space over time. To view the new planting plan, please follow this Link.

Overall, the proposals aim to balance the need for improved public transport and safer, more accessible routes with the retention of trees wherever possible.