Developers Urban Splash have submitted proposals for a 231 flat development on Brighton's Preston Road, overlooking Preston Park. Residents and local civic bodies complain that not only will the building affect the character of the area and the Grade II listed park, but architect's working with The Brighton Society calculate that the building's twin towers, the highest over 160 feet tall, will seriously shadow the park during six months of the year.
Local people are being asked to have a say and back the proposal for the Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs to become recognised as a world-class environment, by achieving international Biosphere Reserve status from the United Nations.
Madeleine's Brighton Marathon: Give generously!
Written by William Shaw
This year Madeleine Voice is running the 2013 Brighton Marathon in memory of Nic Packwood, a much missed stalwart of the Campaign For the Protection of Rural England.
She'll be raising money for CPRE Sussex.
On the justgiving.com website Madeleine says: "I know that he would be so pleased that I have chosen this as my charity.... Please sponsor me to run the marathon so that I can raise money and do something to make Nic (Andrea and Holli) proud!" It's a brilliant thing to do and we're extremely proud to have her running on our behalf – and Nic's.
Please support her doing this fantastic – and tough – race. Donate here!
What future for Sussex under central government planning reforms?
Written by William Shaw
CPRE Sussex Futureproofing Conference 23 March
Saturday 23rd March will see Nick Herbert MP for Arundel and the South Downs talk to Sussex residents about his vision for good planning and the future of the Sussex countryside.
Futureproofing Sussex, an event being held by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Sussex) is a chance to hear expert debate on how government planning reforms will affect the Sussex countryside. Other speakers include Neil Sinden, CPRE Director of Policy and Campaigns and Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex.
The event comes at a crucial time for local planning authorities as the ‘grace’ period which allows Councils to put Local Plans in place before central government policy takes over, is coming to an end. April 2013 sees a critical period in the way that planning principles are applied.
The event coincides with the release of the CPRE national report ‘Countryside Promises: Planning realities’ which analyses the way that the government’s planning framework, the National Planning Policy Framework has been applied one year on. The emerging evidence raises significant concerns about whether the reformed planning system is capable of securing the development the community needs and preventing damaging schemes in the wrong locations.
The report highlights that the views of local communities are being overruled time and time again, with major new housing developments being allowed to sprawl across precious countryside.
Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex said:
“From this Spring, local authorities who don’t have a Local Plan in place will find their decision making powers to decide on development proposals in a perilous state. If their plans don’t have legal force by April, central government dictat will take over and local voices to determine the future of their area will be severely weakened.
We call on the government to extend the period for Councils to put their Plans in place rather than effectively vetoing the proper local democratic planning process.”
Hashtag: #futureproofing13
Horsham District Council: house building targets "excessive"
Written by William Shaw
13 December 2012
In a letter to the Mid-Sussex Times, CPRE Sussex representative Dr Roger Smith challenges the presumption of Horsham District Council’s Cabinet that it must adopt a house building target for the District that is equal to or greater than that set by the South East Plan
Bewl Water eco-lodges rejected: CPRE’s letter of objection
Written by Jessica Mayall
2 December 2012
A controversial planning application for eco-holiday lodges at Bewl Water has been turned down. It was CPRE Sussex’s view that this development would be inappropriate and damaging to the tranquillity of Bewl Water, which is popular for recreational use and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
