Church Lane walking and cycling improvements

Norfolk County Council are asking for feedback on proposals to improve Church Lane, Gorleston. We hope the improvements will encourage more people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle.  

What we are proposing and why 

The proposed route would:

Provide safer cycling facilities between Middleton Road and East Norfolk Sixth Form College
Introduce improved safe crossings for those on foot

Please review the plan below and visit the consultation website to answer the online survey.

A large scale plan is also available to view at Gorleston Library, with copies available to take away (during standard opening hours). 

We've provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions below. 

Take the survey

Deadline

The deadline for responses is Monday 26 May 2025. 

Next steps

Following the consultation we will analyse all feedback received and provide an update on any revisions to the proposals.

All decisions rest with the cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport.

Should we be in a position to proceed:

We will formally advertise any Traffic Regulation Orders necessary to deliver the project. This will provide a further opportunity for public consultation.
Construction would likely take place in the school summer holidays to minimise disruption to the college

We will keep this webpage up to date with the latest progress and information.

Background

This project is a priority scheme in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Gorleston. Great Yarmouth Borough Council and East Norfolk Sixth Form College support the scheme. The project has a budget of £735,000 and the Government's Active Travel Fund would be used. We cannot use this money to fund other council services or initiatives. We must spend the money on cycle infrastructure. 

Contact

For any queries please email TFNorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this scheme needed? 

Church Lane provides vital access to the local college. It adjoins a key cycling link between North and South Gorleston via Middleton Road.

Church Lane/Middleton Road is very busy at peak times. Improvements in this area are a priority scheme in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Great Yarmouth and Gorleston (consulted on in July 2021). Great Yarmouth Borough Council and East Norfolk Sixth Form college support the scheme.

Current crossing facilities on Church Lane are below standard for such a busy route. The new zebra crossings and raised junctions would ensure an all-round better experience. It would be better for those walking, and particularly for anyone with pushchairs or mobility aids.

How much will the scheme cost and how are we funding it?

The Church Lane scheme has an estimated budget of £735,000. The money would come from the Active Travel Fund from central Government.

Can you spend the money on something else?

We can only spend the grant awarded by the Department for Transport on improving walking and cycling infrastructure. We cannot use the money to fund other frontline council services or initiatives.

Will you reduce the width of the road as part of this scheme?

The scheme would reduce the overall width of the carriageway to 6 metres in some areas of Church Lane. This still allows the recommended 3 metre minimum width for traffic in each direction.

What is a continuous footway and who has priority? 

Continuous footways create a level surface and clear priority for those walking or wheeling across junctions. Motorists must give way to those crossing the side road, in line with the updated highway code.

What is a parallel crossing?

A parallel crossing is effectively a zebra crossing with an additional designated section for cycling.

Why is only one parallel crossing proposed?

The northside of Church Lane is not designated as shared use. It would not be appropriate to provide a parallel crossing where the proposed zebra crossings are situated. Space constraints mean that further cycle facilities cannot be safely provided in these areas.

Is creating shared use space outside the college appropriate?

Cyclists are already using the pavement to access the college in a busy confined area. This proposal provides more space for this to take place safely. Similar approaches outside other schools and colleges across the county have been successful. It would also remove conflict between cyclists and general traffic, improving safety on the road.

Will parking remain the same?

All parking bays currently situated outside the college would remain in place.

What's happening with the proposals for Middleton Road?

We previously consulted the public in November 2024 on a series of walking and cycling improvements proposed for Middleton Road.

You can find full details on our dedicated project page: www.norfolk.gov.uk/middletonroad

These proposals were well supported overall. They featured a zebra crossing at the junction with Church Lane. For the Church Lane scheme, we have upgraded this element of the proposal to a parallel crossing. This provides separate designated facilities for both walking and cycling.

We're still developing the Middleton Road design. You will have a further opportunity to comment ahead of us finalising any new traffic regulation orders.

It is likely we would seek to deliver the Church Lane improvements first. This would allow work outside the college to take place in the school holidays.