Appendix 2, Lead Member for Transport and Environment
In plain English
Noted · Received for information; no decision followed.
The Draft East Sussex Freight Strategy was consulted on as a modal strategy of Local Transport Plan 4, with feedback running from 6 May to 30 June 2025. p3
In total, 38 responses were received, 31 through the online portal and 7 via email. p3
Most respondents showed broad agreement with the proposed freight roles, priorities, and schemes, particularly around decarbonisation and last-mile logistics. p3
The strategy was updated following feedback received during the consultation period. p4
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- p3Engagement approach Early and preliminary engagement was undertaken withs strategic freight partners and key local stakeholder groups during the development of the draft strategy. This helped ensure that proposals reflected both operational realities and local priorities before being shared more widely. The Draft East Sussex Freight Strategy was consulted on as a modal strategy of Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4). It aimed to collect feedback on the vision, priorities, and proposals for freight in East Sussex, helping to shape a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive freight system through to 2050. The feedback from the formal public consultation ran from 6 May to 30 June 2025 and comprised both structured survey tools and open feedback mechanisms. A bespoke workshop was held with young people to discuss lived experiences of young people and freight and to provide input into the strategy. Key outcomes Responses were collected via an online questionnaire (paper copies were available on request), which included a mix of closed and open-ended questions, and via email submissions. In total, 38 responses were received — 31 through the online portal and 7 via email, with responses received from key stakeholders within the freight industry. For those whole provided responses to the ‘about you’ questions on the online survey, there is a good representation of responses across all ages (in 10-year bands) from 40-49 through to 60-69, with 4 or 6 responses per 10-year age band. There were fewer younger people (aged 39 or younger) and older people (aged 70 or over). In terms of gender, more females than males responded. Closed question feedback Most respondents showed broad agreement with the proposed freight roles, priorities, and schemes, particularly around decarbonisation and last-mile logistics, which received the highest levels of support. Strategic freight movements and planning policies were also well supported.
- p4A number of respondents provided feedback on the Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA), while others indicated they had no further comments. Comments suggested certain areas needing further clarification and improvement. Open question feedback n Positive Feedback: Strong support was noted for strategic hubs, rail investment, and modal shift. Respondents also welcomed collaboration, decarbonisation, and alignment with planning policy. n Concerns: These focused on delivery risks, limited ambition, planning gaps, and lack of local impact consideration. n Suggestions for Improvement: Feedback centred on stronger policy alignment, more detail on hubs and infrastructure, and inclusion of local priorities. n Environmental Concerns: Respondents called for reducing emissions, promoting rail and maritime freight, and avoiding sensitive or rural areas for infrastructure. n Equity & Access Concerns: There were calls for more inclusive planning, better local engagement, and accessible materials. n General Comments: Some feedback called for clearer communication and plain language, while a few responses were general in nature. Reflections n High levels of support were noted for freight strategy elements across themes, especially decarbonisation, last-mile solutions, and planning integration. n There was a clear call for rail freight expansion and modal shift to reduce emissions and congestion. n Concerns remain about whether schemes can be delivered, their local impacts, and lack of consideration for how schemes could be funded. n Stakeholders seek stronger planning clarity, inclusive governance, and visible follow-through. Actions following feedback The strategy was updated following feedback received during the consultation period. This section provides a summary of the feedback and actions undertaken, reported by coding category and sub-category.
Places and organisations it names
Other papers for this meeting
- Lead Member for Transport and Environment agenda
- Appendix 1, Lead Member for Transport and Environment
- Appendix 1, Lead Member for Transport and Environment
- Appendix 2, Lead Member for Transport and Environment
- Decisions made by the Lead Cabinet Member on 10 November 2025
- East Sussex Freight Strategy 2025 - 2050
- East Sussex Rail Strategy 2025 - 2050
- Eastbourne Town Centre Phase 2B Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders
- Lead Member for Transport and Environment minutes