The Ashdown Forest 7km development exclusion zone has given some residents and businesses cause for concern regarding its impact on local economic growth and community vibrancy, however, we welcome the opportunity that this level of European protection provides for Wealden District Council to strike a balance between development that meets local needs whilst protecting vulnerable species and habitats. Living within or in the vicinity of such a protected landscape imposes a limit to growth but at the same should encourage a more sensitive and imaginative approach to development.

Wealden District Council are taking a precautionary approach to new applications whilst they establish more accurately the current extent and impact of nitrogen deposition at the Ashdown Forest and explore opportunities for provision of “Suitable Natural Green Space” (SANGS) to deflect visitor pressures from the Ashdown Forest heathland. We welcome this too as new green space networks and recreational areas will be opened up but would hope the Council will take a common sense approach to small applications.

We objected to the development of 24 Eco-holiday lodges at Bewl Water on the basis that the lodges would significantly erode the tranquillity of Bewl Water and change the character from transient daytime recreational use to ‘round the clock’ occupation with entirely new impacts of night-time lighting and vehicle movement, sewerage and waste water. The application was refused but we are alert to the possibility that an appeal may be submitted.

Lesley Wilson