Ref- Pond Field

Following the 2022 Planning Inspectors Appeal Hearing:
1. We support all of the Inspectors findings but especially re flooding and sewage pollution.
2. We call for the Wakehams Pond Field to be de-allocated in the new local plan.

As a Fairlight resident I lodge my objection to any proposed house building on this site which needs to be recorded for any future inspector.

It is in the interests of Fairlight, RDC, Pets Level and the general environment to de-allocate housing on Wakeham’s Pond Field in RDC’s new Local Plan 2020/40.

I strongly support the Appeal Inspector’s findings in 2022 re flooding and sewage pollution. Pond Field is a completely inappropriate site because of the regular flooding and drainage issues and on top of that, the pollution problems caused by the village’s inadequate sewer system, built for 1500 residents that has grown to 2300, discharging raw sewage into Stream Lane and the Marsham critical water course down to Pett Level and the world heritage wildlife RAMSAR site beyond. Until there is a major upgrade of the Water Treatment Work any new housing will increase the sewage overload and make the pollution even worse.

Yet again we are outlining our objections to any form of housing development on Pond Field. We have enclosed a copy of our original letter dated 15th March outlining why any form of development should 'NOT' take place.

Furthermore we would draw your attention to the appeal Inspectors very clear view in August 2022 that the risk of groundwater flooding was too high and that the extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse.

If you are not aware but Pond Field has been under continuous standing water in two areas from October 2023 to April 2024. Perhaps this gives a clue as to why the field was aptly named! It is an inappropriate site due to regular flooding and drainage issues and would exacerbate pollution problems caused by the Village's inadequate sewer system, built, originally for 1,500 residents that has now grown to 2,300. Discharging raw sewage into Stream Land and the Marsham critical water course down to Pett Level and the world wildlife RAMSAR site beyond.

We understand that Southern Water is trying some mitigation but until there is a major upgrade n the Sewage Treatment Works, which is unlikely to happen before 2050 any new housing will undoubtedly increase the sewage overload and make pollution even worse.

We, again must object to this proposed development and request that in the interests of Fairlight, Pett Level, Rother DC and the general environment to de-allocated housing on Wakeham's Farm in the new Local Plan 2020/40/

The Planning Inspector - Reference: Pond Field.

We are extremely concerned that Rother District Council (RDC) is intending to include, again, the Pond Field site into its new Draft Local Plan for 2020 to 2040 despite the Appeal Inspector's decision at the July 2022 Appeal Hearing. At that Hearing the Inspector's view was the risk of ground water flooding and that extra housing would make sewage pollution much worse. The present sewage system was initially built for 1500 residents and now has to cope with 2,300 residents. Also their has been at least two areas in Pond Field in standing water from October 2023 to April 2024. Until a major upgrade of the Water Treatment Works happens - which we are told will not happen until 2050, any future building will not solve the present problem of raw sewage been leaked into gardens and lanes in the area.

Some of the other objections were
(a) the existing lack of local services and poor transport links. (Since July 2023 Fairlight has "lost" it's local Post Office and shop)
(b) the increase in the volume of traffic using a road system of country lanes which currently causes traffic chaos
(c) pedestrian safety and the urbanisation of Pett Level Road.

The above objections are just a few of the objections raised and sent to RDC.

We therefore endorse the Planning Inspector's view that he took in 2022 and object most strongly to the decision by RDC to once again to place Pond Field on the new Draft Local Plan for 2020 - 2040.

Pat and John Tulley

Wakeham's Pond Field in Rother DC's new Local Plan 2020/40

Land East of Waites Lane at Wakeham's Farm, Pett Level Road, Fairlight Cove. TN35 4ED

Dr Simon Young was a Volunteer Wildlife Surveyor for the National Trust for 10 years 2013-2023

1. He surveyed the following effects of sewage treatment in Fairlight.

2. He surveyed Fairlight Woodlands around Fairlight all within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). All records held by the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre.

Knowle Wood 2014 TQ874118
Ecclesbourne Glen Wood 2015 TQ8339103
Stonelink Wood 2016 TQ873126
Market Wood 2016 TQ877133
Cliff End Wood 2017 TQ887128
Stumblet Wood 2018-2019 TQ882127
Knowle Village Wood 2020 TQ872119
Pewis Wood Winchelsea 2020 TQ901166
Magpie Shaw Wood Marsham 2012 TQ88134
Wickham Cliff Wood Winchelsea 2022 TQ897159

Content:

The major cause for concern was the survey of the Fairlight stream from the source to the entry of the stream into the RAMSAR site. These wildlife surveys were conducted at the same sites over a period of 5 years. 16/19 August 2019, 12 August 2020, 19 August 2021 and 16/17 August 2023.

3. The aim was to survey the freshwater invertebrates of the stream from source to outfall and to study the effects of sewage treatment in Fairlight. The National Trust land including Old Marsham Farm extends over 93ha. Fairlight lies to the east of the Pett Level Road and Old Marsham Farm lies to the west. The Trust's land features a rolling landscape, mainly in agricultural use (pasture) with significant blocks of ancient woodland (Market Wood and Stumblet Wood), marshland and a stretch of coastline (sandstone cliffs).

4. There are two SSSIs on the National Trust land as shown on Figure 1: the Hastings Cliffs to Pett Beach SSSI and the Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay SSSI.

Watercourse pollution:

5. The National Trust's primary concern with the proposed development relates to the inadequacy of the foul drainage arrangements and the risk of pollution to watercourse which cross National Trust land.

6. For the purpose of this appeal the key watercourse is the drainage ditch which flows along the southern boundary of the appeal site from west to east, into the National Trust land at Old Marsham Farm. Which it crosses in northerly direction to the Fairlight Wastewater Treatment Works (FWTW). The FWTW sits within and is surrounded by National Trust land. The stream then flows north and drains into the Royal Military Canal (RAMSAR site), then via the River Brede to the sea at Rye.

7. From sampling of the watercourse quality over the last five years (2019-2023) by Dr Simon Young, a volunteer National Trust wildlife surveyor, it is evident that pollution has given rise to poor water quality along the length of the watercourse. These surveys entailed sampling at eight locations between Knowle Wood and north east of Cliff End Wood, as shown on Figure 1. Water samples were examined by hand to search for and count invertebrates. The findings were then used to calculate a biotic index for each sampling point.

8. A biotic index is a scale for showing the quality of a freshwater ecosystem present in a representative sample. The Field Studies Council (FSC) biotic index is used for this study, employed a method of scoring each invertebrate, then an average score is calculated by dividing the total score by the number of invertebrates. The FSC biotic index ranges from 0 to 10 is an indicator of pollution. Avery clean, unpolluted mountain stream would have a biotic index of 10 whereas a highly polluted course supporting no invertebrates would have a score of 0. Scores between 0 to 5 indicate varying degrees of pollution.

9. Table 1 sets out the biotic index scores for the eight sampling locations for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. From these results it is evident that the figures are along the the length of the watercourse indicating that pollution is limiting the diversity of invertebrates. The results for 2023 are illustrated in Figure 1 [please see attached document].

Sites:

Table 1 - Biotic index at survey sites in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 [please see attached document]

Foul water drainage:

10. In addition , the National Trust has concern about the quality of the effluent discharged from the Fairlight Wastewater Treatment Works. The biotic indices in Table 1 indicate that the quality of the watercourse deteriorates downstream of the FWTW, which suggests that the effluent discharges may well be a contributing factor. Using the freshwater shrimp (Gammarus pulex) as a pollution indicator shows it was never found below the waste water discharge point at the Fairlight Waste Water Treatment Works down to the entry of the Royal Military Canal (RAMSAR site).

With reference to Wakehams Pond Field - I would like to register my severe concerns with and objection to the proposed development plans issued for new development.

While I am not against new houses in Fairlight per se, I am very concerned about the extra strain on the clearly inadequate existing sewage plant. This plant already discharges raw sewage into the Marsham Sewer in Pett Level and the RAMSAR world heritage wildlife site.

Please reconsider the planning permission for these new houses in Pond Field and postpone the building works until the sewage plant has been updated. And most importantly, please find some way of putting pressure on Southern Water to improve their performance here.

Thank you and best wishes

Dido Crosby and Gary Dennis

I am writing to confirm my support for the 2022 Appeal Inspector's findings re flooding and sewage pollution and a call for Wakehams's Pond Field to be de-allocated in the new Local Plan.

I support the 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings re flooding and sewage pollution regarding the above and call for Wakehams Pond Field to be de-allocated in the new Local Plan 2020/40

We are writing this email to to state our strong opposition to the 35 houses on the Wakehams Pond Field site in Fairlight allocated in their draft new Local Plan for 2020 to 2040

We support the 2022 Appeal Inspector's finding that the risk of flooding is too high and that building houses on the site would make the sewage pollution even worse than it is at present.
As such we call for the Wakehams Pond Field 35 houses to be de-allocated in the new Local Plan.

We are one of the homes flooded in the January Flood, we had to spend 10 months in rented accomodation as a result with the associated misery that this has caused.
The flood was made even worse by Southern Waters' decision to empty their tanks full of sewage at the height of the storm as they could not cope with the water flow from Fairlight.

The fact that Rother council are even considering allocating more housing in Fairlight before the Southern Water has updated their sewage works to cope with the increased housing population is hard to believe - we hope you consider the people who already live in your community before adding to those numbers.

Maybe spending time forcing Southern Water to do their job and spend their money on their infrastructure would be more productive.

David Jenner and Elizabeth Hildred

For full text, please see the attached letter commenting on Wakeham's Pond Field.

I support the 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings re flooding and sewage pollution and call for Wakeham’s Pond Field to be de-allocated in the new Local Plan.

I am writing to indicate :

1 My support for the 2022 Appeal Inspector's findings re flooding and sewage pollution

2 To make a call that Wakeham's Pond Field to be de-allocated in the new local plan

The National Inspector in his rejection of the Wakeham's Pond field appeal in 2022 found that the risk of groundwater flooding was too high and that building houses on it would make sewage pollution much worse. This is caused by Fairlight's inadequate sewage system which already has proven unable to cope as evinced by the massive flooding of Pett Level in January 2023.

My home in Marsham Brook Lane was severely flooded and it is clear to me that a sewage system that cannot cope with the incresed houses already using it can certainly take no more. The situation is further aggravated , especially in view of forecasts for increased rainfall due to Climate Change, by the fact that all Fairlight's surface water also enters the same sewage system.

Thank you for your note on Action Now!

We support comments (1) support for the 2022 Appeal Inspector's Findings re flooding and sewage pollution & (2) a call for Wakehams Pond Field to be deallocated in the new Local Plan.

Yours sincerely,

A.E. & A.C.T William

I would like to register my concern upon reviewing the Draft Local Plan for Rother regarding the 36 new homes planned for Fairlight!

As you will be aware there have been multiple applications to develop Wakeham’s Pond Field, which have been successfully appealed in the past, the basis for these appeals still applies in that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and the additional houses would exacerbate existing sewage pollution problems.

On top of that the enormous increase in additional traffic, loss of wildlife habitation and general lack of services for new residents is prohibitive.

I support the findings of the Appeal Inspector’s findings that were made in 2022 (as nothing has changed!) and believe it is in the interests of Fairlight, Pett Level and Rother District Council to stop wasting time, money and effort on this process every couple of years by deallocating housing on the Wakeham’s Pond Field and removing it from Rother Council’s new Local Plan 2020/40.

I want to object to the allocation of 35 houses on the Wakehams Pond Field as stated in the new Draft Local Plan for 2020-2040. .

1. The name of the area - Pond Field - should show up one of many RED FLAGS. Lack of drainage, constant flooding, and in light of changes in weather patterns it is only going to get worse.

2. Lack of infrastructure to support an additional 35 families such as limited public transport and local services resulting in increased traffic along narrow lanes. Speeding traffic around blind corners will cause accidents.

3. Fairlight is a Dark Skies village and any street lighting would be an intrusion

4. Pedestrian safety due to lack of public pavements

5. Fairlight has an inadequate sewer system which is discharging raw sewage. This will be exacerbated by further building.works.

Reference to the latest RDC Local Plan 2020/40, I write to express my support for the Appeal Inspectors findings of 2022. At this hearing there were a lot of concerns expressed over the infrastructure of the area in several ways, as there has not been any work carried out to mitigate against of the concerns I call for Wakehams Pond Field to be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.
Below are some of the infrastructure headings that need addressing before this development should be considered.

1. The drainage in the Fairlight area is old and inadequate and needs repairing / replacing to prevent floods and sewage problems, especially in light of climate changes in the weather.

2. The roads and paths feeding Fairlight from Hastings and Pet Level are inadequate for the increased traffic of cars and construction traffic, which has been highlighted during the recent Market Garden construction.

3. The local GP surgeries are over prescribed and even if a new surgery was to be built where would the doctors come from.

4. The local Conquest hospital is grossly under sized for further development in the area as can be seen by the constant traffic jams caused by queuing to get in the hospital.

The above is just a few items that needs consideration before any development should take place.

We massively support the 2022 Appeal inspection. we already have a massive problem with groundwater flooding in the village and the local infrastructure could not take further development

Being a keen open water swimmer and surfer the sewage and pollution in the area is already unacceptable and further development is only going to make things worse

There should be no development of the Wakeham Field site and it should be de-allocated in the new local plan - not to mention the roads in and out of Fairlight which's are already dangerous with cyclists, pedestrians in the road, potholes and cars driving dangerously - if development was to to take place it would certainly cause lots for accidents,some of which, would no doubt be fatal - am sure we can all agree no body wants that.

We massively support the 2022 appeal inspection. we already have a massive problem with groundwater flooding in the village and the local infrastructure could not take further development.

My husband is keen open water swimmer and surfer the sewage and pollution in the area is already unacceptable and he often gets ear infections and stomach upset after being in the sea and further development is only going to make things worse.

There should be no development of the Wakeham Field site and it should be de-allocated in the new local plan - not to mention the roads in and out of Fairlight which's are already dangerous with cyclists, pedestrians in the road, potholes and cars driving dangerously, I have had many close calls on that road and have the dash cam footage to prove it.

If development was to to take place it would certainly cause lots for accidents, some of which, would no doubt be fatal - am sure we can all agree nobody want that… therefore it seems no reason why the site should be developed.

I have experienced the flooding in Pett Level as a result of the over spilling of sewage from the Fairlight Treatment Plant on a number of occasions over the years.

The treatment plant is wholly inadequate for the existing number of properties in Fairlight as was accepted by the Appeal Inspector back in 2022, when the appeal in relation to Wakeham's Pond Field was rejected.

I am writing to support those findings regarding the risks re flooding and sewage pollution and to request that Wakeham's Pond Field be de-allocated from the new Local Plan for 2020 to 2040, in which I understand there is provision for a further 35 houses.

I will repeat my previously sent objections about any potential development.

Extra houses will only increase the sewerage pollution down stream.

Drains containing sewerage already lift on a regular basis in Lower Waites Lane, because of ground water flooding. Danger to health. The infrastructure is not suitable and I understand that is not the builders responsibility.

Access onto Fairlight Road will create traffic hazard.

Flora and fauna will be contaminated and lost in what is a World Heritage wildlife RAMSAR site.

The appeal in 2022 was rightly turned down, and I call for de-allocation in the new Local Plan.

I would like to register my concerns that 'Wakeham's Pond Field' in Fairlight is still being considered as part of the 20 year Local Plan and to ask that it is removed from the plan.

A planning appeal that was won on this area a couple of years ago showed on inspection that there was too much risk of groundwater flooding and an increased risk of sewage pollution, as this is already a problem in that area. Along with my objections, there were also many other complaints and considerations put forward by local residents that I'm sure you will be aware of as there was a lot of uproar at the time. I am extremely surprised to be told that it is still being considered as part of the plan and request that you strongly reconsider this option.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.

I support your Planning Committee's rejection of the planning application for the land east of Waites Lane, known locally as Pond Field. I also support the subsequent 2022 Appeal Inspectors findings that the risk of groundwater flooding is too high and that extra houses would make sewage pollution matters worse. I strongly believe that now, housing on Pond Field in Fairlight Cove, Site ID FA10001, Site Address Land east of Waites Lane, Fairlight Cove, should be de-allocated from the new Local Plan.

This field used to be farmed on a regular basis but since its allocation to the Local Plan it has been left and just infrequently cut for silage. The field should be farmed, it is part of a beautiful section of countryside. We should be conserving this High Weald AONB landscape not losing it.. This land is almost unique in the area, and has a stable wildlife ecosystem that would be totally destroyed by any development.

In any event, housing on Pond Field cannot happen until Foul Water Issues have been adequately addressed. The sewerage system is already in difficulty, all residents are aware of the current inadequacy of the foul water & surface water system during winter and periods of heavy rain. The treatment works are close to our neighbours in Pett Level, who already suffer flooding & sewage contamination of surrounding areas and any increase will just cause more for both the residents of Fairlight and Pett Level. Existing developments in Fairlight have already pushed the Treatment Plant in Pett Level Road to capacity. Any development on Pond Field would necessitate a complete upgrade to the sewerage system, the treatment plant and surface water extraction. A flood report says that overflow raw sewerage will discharge into the watercourse, and that surely cannot be allowed to happen. Flooding on Pond Field is a serious risk, it is not called Pond Field for nothing. ESCC and ES Building Control Partnership have earlier raised concerns of a flood risk.

Isolation is a problem. With no access to the village closer than Wakeham’s Farm Shop., pedestrian access from the existing village to the site and vice versa, is bad with a number of road crossings near blind bends and a long walk for a potential elderly population. A car will have to be used between the site and the village, just at a time when the country is trying to become more environmentally friendly. There are already parking issues in Fairlight. Any affordable housing may be ideal for elderly people wanting to move to a village like Fairlight but is inappropriate for the elderly on Pond Field because of the isolation. The excellent village facilities for a retirement population may be just too much out of reach.

The Proposed Access for the site is a hazard • The single access in and out of the proposed development is onto a narrow 40mph C Class road close by two blind bends. Pedestrians will have to cross the road at least twice to get into the current Fairlight village from the planned development. The lack of visibility, 40mph traffic, pedestrians crossing the road – this would be an accident waiting to happen.

The Road to the east of Ore is a C Class road – C92 and has very narrow passing places all along it. A car and a bus or large lorry can just about pass each other but when a bus or large lorry meets another similar vehicle a holdup ensues whilst one of them manages to reverse into a suitable passing place. Stagecoach have recognised this and have arranged their bus schedule so that buses do not pass each other along the C92 between Ore and Pett Level. This is the current situation and that would be made worse by a new development on Pond Field. The junction of C92 with the A259 in Ore Village already struggles enough that Martineau Lane is regularly used as a bypass to reach The Ridge and the A259. Martineau Lane is not designed for heavy traffic but already heavy vehicles are using it. This can only get worse with any new development the size of Pond Field.

Our Neighbours Have Objections Too. There must be objections from Ore Village and Martineau Lane regarding any potential for increased traffic. There would certainly be strong objections from Pett Level about potential flooding and sewage overflow. There would be similar concerns from Rosemary Lane and Pett Village about increased traffic into Pett due to the bottleneck of the C92 in Ore Village and the proximity of Rosemary Lane to the access to Pond Field.

Development of the size of Pond Field is Inappropriate for Fairlight. Fairlight is predominantly a retirement village. Our village has an excellent community spirit, quiet with excellent facilities for a retirement population. There are few facilities here for modern young families. We no longer have a Post Office or village store, travel to Ore or Winchelsea Beach is necessary for both. There are no local employment opportunities. The doctors’ surgery in Guestling has closed, the nearest alternative in Harold Road is full to capacity and not taking on more patients. There are no primary school places for children moving into the area, all the local schools are already oversubscribed. Without another school there are going to be some children subject to long journeys and very disappointed parents. ‘Affordable Housing’ may not be so affordable once the need to travel every day to schools and employment is taken into account.

Our local MP has said there is plenty of spare land elsewhere in the District that is more suitable for a new housing estate than Pond Field.