ACT NOW TO HELP PROTECT THE LAST REMAINING LINK BETWEEN ST. HELENS WOODS AND THE HIGH WEALD!!
East Sussex County Council have advised that the Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change will be considering the fate of the land at Sandrock Hall Bends on The Ridge at their meeting on 3rd September. There is a proposal to sell this important greenspace for property development – up to 140 houses are planned.
The council officer is currently recommending signing the land promotion agreement (Option 1) but there is another (Option 2) – to sell it to a third party who would agree to keep it as open green space and not resell it. St. Helen’s Park Preservation Society have already stated their support for the protection of the land.
Please write now to Cllr Nick Bennett and the East Sussex County Council councillors that represent Hastings sharing your views as to why any housing development on the site will be wrong and asking councillors to oppose the deal with the Land Promoter.
Here are some of the main possible objections.
1. Impact on wildlife and nature
This land is a vital part of the last remaining biodiversity corridor between the High Weald and St Helen’s Woods, a local nature reserve which is a home to so much wildlife. Roe deer have been seen grazing in the fields this summer. There are many species of bats that use the land to roost and feed. Current evidence suggests Hazel Dormice are on the land.
2. Flooding
Replacing ancient woodland, meadows and scrub on this high ground at the top of The Ridge with houses will cause significant drainage, sewage and flooding problems for all properties downstream from this area. Businesses and properties will also be affected further downstream in the town.
St Helen’s Woods Local Nature Reserve is already being negatively impacted by the urbanisation of The Ridge and increasing rainfall from climate change – one dam failed last year.
3. Impact on people
Sandrock Bends is an accessible and wildlife rich greenspace – the footpath and its surrounding woodland and meadow provide rare and much needed general access to green space.
Unaffordable housing with no amenities within walking distance is not helpful for the residents of the Hastings area.
The impact on traffic on the already congested The Ridge is also a significant issue.
PLEASE ACT NOW!!
Details of the agenda for the meeting can be found at:
