Happy Valley path improvement survey

The City Council is proposing a new path network at Happy Valley, to be rolled out over 4 stages.

The Council's current proposals include:

• Section 1 - Crossing improvements at Falmer Road/Crescent Drive South:  This part of the proposal would extend the existing shared pedestrian and cycle path on Falmer Road north from Brownleaf Road to the signalised pedestrian crossing at the main entrance to Happy Valley Park. The purpose of this would be to close a missing link in the cycle network by connecting to the park.

• Sections 2 & 3 - Installation of new path parallel to Falmer Road:  This part of the plan would provide a new path parallel with Falmer Road between Brownleaf Road and Warren Road. This would run behind the hedge in Happy Valley and follow the route of an existing permissive bridleway. The current path runs through grassed fields and is not surfaced. The location of the car park would allow the path to be delivered in two sections to the south and to the north. The proposal would include associated improvements to the pedestrian route into and across the car park. It would also include improvements to the southern entrance to the park to provide an informal pedestrian crossing on Falmer Road and improve visibility

• Section 4 - Upgrading the existing Old Parish Lane path:  It is expected that Old Parish Lane and the paths in Happy Valley would be surfaced in tarmac or a hard surface. This is to maximise the longevity of the path and is consistent with the path north of Woodingdean towards Falmer. The width is planned to be 3m wide, in addition to a soft border alongside this to accommodate equestrians. The design is subject to contractor procurement and may be adapted to fit within the budget available.

Several of the Council's proposed sections have proved controversial in the community, with some not supporting carving a new path close to the existing one.

Please let us know your views via the survey below.