Penland Farm, Haywards Heath

As part of the new community we are delivering at Penlands Green, we are required by our planning permission and Section 278 agreement with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to provide a new roundabout at the current junction where Balcombe Road, Borde Hill and Hanlye Lane intersect. This is to ensure the area’s local infrastructure is improved to meet current and future needs. You may be aware that Redrow withdrew a road closure application for installation of the new roundabout in March 2019. The application withdrawal enabled safety improvement works on London Lane, Cuckfield, to be completed as well as additional discussions on how disruption to the wider community could be minimised whilst the works are undertaken.

In line with WSCC’s requirements, the junction at Balcombe Road and Hanlye Lane is now closed until the works are completed in early September 2020. A map showing the closure and diversion routes is accessible above.

22 June 2020
Roadworks start. Balcombe Road closed. Junction of Hanlye Lane and Borde Hill Lane remains open for access

20 July 2020
The junction of Hanlye Lane and Borde Hill Lane closes for the duration of roadworks. Balcombe Road remains closed.

Early September 2020
(earlier if possible)
All roads open

Access for residents to Penlands Green will be via the construction access off Hanlye Lane.

We realise the disruption this work will cause and will do our upmost, working with WSCC, to ensure we can get this completed as soon as possible.

Road Closure Map

What work are you doing and why is it needed?
Our planning permission for the 210 homes and new community at Penlands Green, requires the installation of a roundabout where Balcombe Road, Borde Hill and Hanlye Lane intersect. A condition attached to the planning permission requires the construction of the roundabout to improve the current junction arrangement to meet current and future needs and make the local highways network safer.

When is the work taking place?
The work is scheduled to start on 22 June 2020 for an anticipated 12-week period.

What roads will be affected?
Balcombe Road, Borde Hill Lane and Hanlye Lane. The junction at Balcombe Road and Hanlye Lane will be closed for the 12 week period. The junction of Hanlye Lane and Borde Hill Lane was open during the initial stages of work for local access and closed mid-July allow the works to be completed. A map showing the closure and diversion routes can been found above.

What are the hours of working?
The work will be carried out seven days a week to reduce the overall duration of the works. We plan to carry out as much as we can during daylight hours. Our current working hours are as follows, but we have applied to Mid Sussex District Council in line with the Government’s statement on 13 May, which encourages Councils to be open to developers extending their working hours to 9pm.

Monday to Friday 0800-1800
Saturday 0900-1700
Sunday 1000-1700

Will there be access only to properties nearby? If so, will the access be manned throughout the closure period?
Access will be maintained, however in some cases this will be via a diversion route which will be clearly signed. We will be keeping all residents informed of our work phases.

Will other measures be put in place as part of the works e.g new speed restrictions?
The 30mph zone is to be extended north along the Balcombe Road and west into Hanlye Lane to cover the approaches to the roundabout. The newly raised level of the road following construction will improve the sight lines around the junction.

Will pedestrians be able to walk alongside the roadworks?
At present there is no footway on the existing road. When construction is complete there will be a new pavement provided. A pedestrian access through to Penlands Green is in place while the work is underway.

What will happen if emergency vehicles need to get through? Are the emergency services notified as part of this process?
The emergency services have been notified of our proposed works and forward plan for alternative routes.

Can we be assured that no other road closures will be imminent once these works have finished i.e. that utilities companies won’t then apply to close the road?
All utility works will have been completed for the development, so Redrow Homes do not envisage any further works on the road following these works.

What measures have been put in place to ensure the roundabout works can be undertaken safely by the teams in light of COVID-19?
The safety of our colleagues, site visitors, and the general public is always our highest priority. Buxted Construction, the firm undertaking the roundabout works, has undertaken a detailed risk assessment and implemented ways of working which are fully aligned with the latest Government Covid-19 and social distancing guidance, to ensure that a safe and healthy environment can be achieved during these works. All workers and site visitors will be inducted upon arrival to site to ensure they are aware of what is required, and all necessary personal protective equipment will be available to those on site where it is needed.

You mentioned previously that Redrow would pay for remedial works on Copyhold Lane. Is this still happening?
We have conducted a survey of this road which is in a good condition. If any remedial works need to be undertaken as a result of the increased traffic due to the roundabout works, although not obligated to do so, we will make the necessary repairs.

Who can I contact for more information?
Emails can be sent to: info@www.urbanissta.co.uk.