Appendix 2, Lead Member for Transport and Environment
In plain English
Noted · Received for information; no decision followed.
The Draft East Sussex Rail 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, 78 responses were received, 70 through the online portal and 8 via email. p3
Most respondents endorsed all six priority investment areas: accessibility, modal integration, reliability and resilience, decarbonisation, journey time competitiveness and customer experience. p4
The strategy was updated following feedback received during the consultation period. p5
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- p3Engagement approach Early and preliminary engagement was undertaken with key strategic rail 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 Rail Strategy was consulted on as a modal strategy of Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4). The consultation aimed to gather feedback on proposed roles, schemes, and investment priorities across the rail network. The strategy focuses on passenger rail only. Freight on rail is considered in the East Sussex Freight Strategy which has been developed in parallel to the East Sussex Rail Strategy. 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 rail travel 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 email submissions. In total, 78 responses were received — 70 through the online portal and 8 via email. Responses were received from key strategic rail partners. 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 20-29 through to 70-79, with 7 to 12 responses per 10 year age band. In terms of gender, more males than females responded. Closed question feedback Respondents showed strong agreement with the Rail Strategy’s defined roles and policy linkages, with particularly high support for schemes related to decarbonisation, accessibility, and modal integration.
- p4Most respondents endorsed all six priority investment areas, which are: · Accessibility · Modal integration · Reliability and resilience · Decarbonisation · Journey time competitiveness · Customer experience Most respondents did not provide any feedback on the Rail Strategy Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA), while a smaller number of shared comments highlighting areas needing further clarification and improvement. Open question feedback n Positive Feedback: Strong support was noted for the strategy’s direction, particularly around accessibility, governance, and better integration with buses, cycling, and walking. Electrification and reopening of lines (e.g. Lewes–Uckfield) were frequently supported. n Concerns: Key concerns included: o Unclear delivery roles o Lack of clarity on funding and timelines o Accessibility and service reliability o Ticket affordability, service frequency, and rural connectivity n Negative Feedback: A minority disagreed with the strategy’s overall scope or raised concerns about feasibility, especially in rural or non-commuter areas. n Environmental Concerns: Respondents called for stronger links between climate priorities and rail infrastructure design, including decarbonisation and climate resilience. n Suggestions: Respondents recommended improvements in station access, intermodal links, governance, and data transparency. Multiple comments were made for re-opening disused lines, new rail infrastructure (e.g. Willingdon Chord), real-time information systems, and more affordable fares.
- p5n General Comments: Some responses were broad or generic, while others emphasised the need for clearer communication and local engagement. Reflections n There is strong public support for the strategy’s ambitions, especially around accessibility and decarbonisation. n The breadth of the strategy is a strength but risks overstretching resources . n Many of the suggested schemes are complex and high-value , requiring coordination with external delivery bodies. n “Quick wins” should be prioritised alongside longer-term flagship projects. n Future progress depends heavily on East Sussex County Council’s available capacity and its role within any potential new governance structures. n There is an expectation that the strategy will translate ambition into locally grounded outcomes . 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