Uppark House and Garden sewage system replacement project

FAQs

• Why does this work need to happen? What are the benefits?

  The work is the final stage of a project to make essential improvements to the sewage system at Uppark. Connecting Uppark to the mains for the first time is a sustainable solution, which will avoid unnecessary disturbance within the South Downs National Park in the future. It will also bring the system in line with Environment Agency regulations.

  The pipe from Uppark will empty into the mains system at South Harting during off-peak hours only.

• When will the work start and finish?

  The work to lay the sewage pipe will take place in two phases.

  Phase 1, between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and South Harting, is due to start on 5 August 2024 and finish between 23 and 27 August 2024.

  Phase 2, between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and the entrance to Uppark, is due to start on 12 September 2024 and finish between 24 and 31 October.

  We have built in extra days at the end of each project phase to account for any unavoidable delays during the work.

  The work has been scheduled in two phases to avoid disruption duringthe start of the new school  term and the Glorious Goodwood and Goodwood Revival festivals.

• Which roads need to be closed during the works?

  During the first phase of work, the section of road between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and South Harting, will be closed.

  During the second phase, the section of road between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and Uppark will be closed.

• What are the diversion routes?

  Phase 1

  The section of road between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and South Harting will be closed.

  Traffic to South Harting from south of the closure will be diverted south along the B2141 towards Chichester then north along the A286, west along the A272 (Petersfield Road) and south along the B2199 and the B2146 to South Harting.

  Phase 2

  The section of road between the junction of the B2146/B2141 and the entrance to Uppark will be closed.

  Vehicles south of Uppark travelling to South Harting will be diverted south along the B1241 towards Chichester then north along the B1246 back up to South Harting.

  Traffic from South Harting will be diverted along the B1241 to Chichester where vehicles travelling towards Compton can then head north on the B1246.

• Why can’t you use a temporary traffic lights system and keep the roads open?

  Some of the road sections that will be closed do not have the minimum width required to accommodate a temporary traffic lights system.

  Temporary traffic lights on these narrow roads could make it unsafe or impossible for vehicles to pass one another, especially larger vehicles.

  They could prevent emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines from getting through in critical situations, potentially putting lives at risk.

  They could put the contractors carrying out the road works in danger.

• What times and days of the week will the work take place?

  The contractors plan to carry out works between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday. It’s possible there may also be some weekend working but this will be kept to a minimum.

• Why is the work happening at this time of year?

  As much of the work as possible will take place during the summer. The longer daylight hours and an increased chance of good weather will allow work to progress more quickly and efficiently, meaning shorter road closures and less disruption.

• Can I visit Uppark or use the car park there while the work is being carried out?

  Uppark itself has been closed since January 2024 and will reopen in summer 2025. During this time, the sewage project will take place, along with other maintenance works.

  For your own safety, please do not visit any part of the site during this time. This includes the car park which may be used for contractor vehicles.

  The nearest National Trust place with car parks and countryside walks is Harting Down. You may need to follow diversions to reach it.

• How will bus routes be affected?

  Bus and coach operators will decide how to update their services during the road closures.

  To get the latest updates, check the following service update web pages for each operator.

  Brighton & Hove service updates: https://www.buses.co.uk/service-updates

  Metrobus and Southdown service updates: https://www.metrobus.co.uk/service-updates

  Stagecoach Bus service updates: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates

  National Express service updates: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/live-service-updates

• Will the work affect walking routes?

  The South Downs Way walking trail crosses the road closure during the second phase of the work between 12 September and the end of October. The trail will not be closed and walkers will continue to have access.

  The contractors will signpost and manage this section while work is taking place so that walkers can cross the road safely.

  There will be safety lighting around the area at night.

• Will the work affect the Goodwood festivals?

  No. We have deliberately planned the work so that it does not impact the Goodwood festivals.

  The work will start after Glorious Goodwood, on 5 August. The road closures and work will be split into two phases, taking place either side of the Goodwood Revival weekend (6–8 September) and avoiding the days before and afterwards when people are travelling to and from the festival.

• Who is paying for the work?

  The work will be funded by the National Trust.