We opposed the construction of “solar farms” that we thought would be intrusive in the views from The South Downs. These solar farms are now being constructed; by the summer we may have a clearer idea of what their visual impact is.

Oaklands Site, Hailsham, 200 homes – we objected, the Inspector has turned the application down. No longer considered a threat.

Heathfield: Land to the Rear of the Police Station, High Street, Heathfield TN21 OUP (WD/2013/0635/MEA): Outline Planning Application by Summertree Estates Ltd and Gleeson Developments Ltd for the erection of up to 115 new residential dwellings of which 40% are to be affordable. This application has been approved, although the decision has not been published. We objected on the basis that no AONB land should be developed for normal commercial housing and are not convinced a robust case has been made for building 75 market houses, a case that would be strong enough to warrant destruction of part of an AONB.

Solar Farms: there has been an explosion of interest in applications for solar farms – 11 potential sites have been identified. We have objected to WD/2013/1664/MEA: land at Wick Street, Berwick BN26 6TH on the basis the development would result in the introduction of engineered, alien features in an otherwise undeveloped rural landscape resulting in a loss of landscape character and adverse visual impact, including potentially from the South Downs National Park to the South. However, the planning officers have recommended this site for approval subject to conditions. The application goes to Planning Committee on 17th October.

Graywood, East Hoathly: an application for the construction of a small camp site in ancient woodland has been opposed vigorously by local residents. Wealden District Council has removed the application awaiting further information. We have registered our objection in principle and asked to be kept informed.

John Hurwood (planning) & Lesley Wilson – October 2013

Wealden District Council and The South Downs National Park Authority have now adopted their Core Strategy Local Plan, and subject to any High Court appeal before 12 April this is now settled, which is good news as we generally supported their plan.

Wealden District Core Strategy

The Examination in Public of the WDC core strategy has been completed, and we were generally pleased with the WDC approach. The Inspector has presented his interim findings which unfortunately bring forward the end date from 2030 to 2027, thus increasing the annual build rate, but we are pleased to see that he has (almost) ruled out building on AONB sites at Heathfield, a position that we adopted. It was interesting watching the antics of the developers and their expensive representatives who repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, pushed for the inclusion of their sites in the strategy, including (as expected) yet another push for Honey Farm, we assume that we now have a breathing space till 2027 before they start again.

The routine planning applications continue, with few sites where we feel any need to comment, if local members think that any proposal needs our comments please contact me.

Since 1 April all planning in the southern part of Wealden South is the responsibility of SDNPA and we hope that their website will function fully in the near future.