The existing Buddens Green development site was an exception site, the land having been donated to the community by a local landowner, the late George Fotheringham-Parker. The development was solely granted for existing children of villagers who have been priced out of the area as far as other freehold houses were concerned. The remainder of the site to the West was also donated to the Blue Cross, but subsequently sold. There have been two applications for development on this site, both developments refused by the Rother District Council and also at appeal on the grounds that the open spaces in Beckley and particularly along Main Street should be maintained as they enhance the village.
Northiam, Peasmarsh and Brede have all suffered from ribbon development and the village atmospheres have been totally lost.
Furthermore site FO12 is subject to severe flooding and the plan I have inspected of the proposed development would be totally inappropriate, as there is insufficient car parking space allocated and flats adjoining Main Street are again inappropriate.
The most sensible development areas, and I refer to other assessed sites, on the plan, would be those to round off Four Oaks area, namely FO2, FO9 and the western position of FO8 with access to Main Street.
In respect of the proposed development at the Manroy Engineering site, FO15, this area has always been designated for light industrial use and, again, any residential development on this site would be most inappropriate. The existing building is quite modern and could be split up into small workshops. Furthermore there is always a parking problem in this area and traffic both from the garage of the ex-mushroom factory, causes problems form time to time.
The traffic at Four Oaks roundabout is intense, particularly when school children are attempting to cross this dangerous road. I have been a resident in Beckley for over 40 years and I fully accept that further residential development must be provided, but in appropriate place where the charm of the village is not affected.