Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 25941
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Miss Judith Rogers
Perhaps you should look at ensuring villages remain distinct from each other.
Perhaps you should look at ensuring villages remain distinct from each other.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26315
Received: 17/07/2024
Respondent: Burwash Parish Council
Yes, more rural areas and the importance of the strategic gaps between villages. This policy. Like others, centre on larger towns and centres with no consideration of how they could be used to abuse the more rural parishes.
Please see attached comments from Burwash Parish Council.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26731
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Jon Keable
In reference to the section on pages 195/197 we are of the view that another key strategic gap has been missed out of the Draft Plan which we would strongly suggest be included.
Specifically, there is an important nature corridor that is vital for wildlife that connects the ancient, preserved woodlands of St Helens Woods to the adjacent area of the Sandhurst playing fields near Sandhurst Gardens and the Sandrock Hill space on The Ridge to the countryside.
This area forms a crucial (and indeed now the last remaining) passage for all wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside – see below, and its preservation is essential for nature to flourish, and it should not be developed or fenced in to avoid lasting damage to the natural environment which could not later be reversed.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26745
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Rob Prior
Number of people: 2
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26924
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Brede Parish Council
Encroachment into all gaps between settlement should only be undertaken in
specific circumstance and examined with the greatest of care.
Full submission attached.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27007
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: CJ & RE Cackett
Number of people: 2
We are disappointed in the time we have been given to digest this document, however we would like to voice our concern regarding the following pages
Pages 195-197:
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
We already have great concerns about this process and this has gone no way to alleviating these fears.
We are disappointed in the time we have been given to digest this document, however we would like to voice our concern regarding the following pages
Pages 195-197:
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
We already have great concerns about this process and this has gone no way to alleviating these fears.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27096
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Westfield Parish Council
See points 129-130 in the attached submission.
Please see attached document for the full submission from Westfield Parish Council.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27097
Received: 02/08/2024
Respondent: Jeannie Van der Weyden
Please could the following be considered and added to the plan for a 'Strategic Green Gap' as per pages 195-197.
The Sandhurst playing fields that lie between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond. This area forms the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. This area is extremely important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. The playing fields are used by the local children and it is a well used area for walking.
Please could the following be considered and added to the plan for a 'Strategic Green Gap' as per pages 195-197.
The Sandhurst playing fields that lie between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond. This area forms the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. This area is extremely important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. The playing fields are used by the local children and it is a well used area for walking.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27127
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Linda Hayley
I believe that Sandrock bend on the south side of the ridge should be added to the strategic green gap plan as this is the only open passage between the high Weald and St Helens ancient woodland.
I believe that Sandrock bend on the south side of the ridge should be added to the strategic green gap plan as this is the only open passage between the high Weald and St Helens ancient woodland
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27128
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Peter Bailey
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hall Bends’ area on the opposite side of The Ridge.
There are other aspects about this particular green gap which indicate that it should be kept as a green gap.
Flood risk management - the topography and hydrology of this area around the main road (The Ridge) is such that sewage and rainwater drainage infrastructures are already overloaded in times of heavy rainfall and damage has been experienced in the St Helen's Woods and further downstream in residential properties.
Any housing development here on either side of The Ridge (Sandhurst playing Fields on one side and Sandrock Hall Bends on the other side) will exacerbate:
- Traffic flows - The Ridge is narrow, has a tight bend and carries heavy commercial traffic. Already people complain of being late for appointments at Conquest Hospital due to traffic problems
- Infrastructure - residents of any future housing development around these gaps will have to use car journeys to gain access to shops as there are none in the area (apart from the Shell petrol station).
Can I ask you to include another Strategic Green Gap in the Plan.
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hall Bends’ area on the opposite side of The Ridge.
Indeed the green spaces at Sandrock Hall Bends and Sandhurst playing fields form the last remaining 'green' gap between St Helen's Park Woods and the Sussex Weald. (I recognise that the area at Sandrock Hall Bends is not within Rother's authority.)
These gaps are vital for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. If they are not maintained but given over to housing then the green space in St Helen's Park Woods will be total encircled.
There are other aspects about this particular green gap which indicate that it should be kept as a green gap.
Flood risk management - the topography and hydrology of this area around the main road (The Ridge) is such that sewage and rainwater drainage infrastructures are already overloaded in times of heavy rainfall and damage has been experienced in the St Helen's Woods and further downstream in residential properties.
Any housing development here on either side of The Ridge (Sandhurst playing Fields on one side and Sandrock Hall Bends on the other side) will exacerbate:
- Traffic flows - The Ridge is narrow, has a tight bend and carries heavy commercial traffic. Already people complain of being late for appointments at Conquest Hospital due to traffic problems
- Infrastructure - residents of any future housing development around these gaps will have to use car journeys to gain access to shops as there are none in the area (apart from the Shell petrol station).
So with all these aspects in mind these two green gaps should be maintained as green gaps
I hope that all makes sense
Kind regards
Peter
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27194
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Derek Tomblin
A summary of the objections to development at Sandrock Park, Hastings:
Flooding: replacing ancient woodland on this high ground at the top of The Ridge with 140 houses will cause massive drainage, sewage and flooding problems for all properties downstream from this area. Businesses will also be affected further downstream in the town.
Traffic congestion: The Ridge is already over used at key times. Placing 140 houses in a critical and difficult part of the bend in The Ridge is just asking for more trouble. Additional access to existing estates leading to Elphinstone Road may also be proposed following on from the proposed development.
Loss of an accessible and wildlife diverse green space: the footpath and its surrounding woodland and meadow, provide much needed wildlife habitat, contributing to biodiversity, plus general access to green space, much used by the public, including young people on their way to and from the Ark School.
The big damaging issues from a housing development at Sandrock Park, Hastings are as follows:
Flooding: replacing ancient woodland on this high ground at the top of The Ridge with 140 houses will cause massive drainage, sewage and flooding problems for all properties downstream from this area. Businesses will also be affected further downstream in the town. The recent rainstorms have:
• damaged every manhole grill on The Ridge from the Conquerors March to the Cemetery. These were eroded underground causing considerable damage and expensive repairs for ESCC.
• damaged the dam in St Helen's Wood
• contributed to the recent flooding and sewage overflow in the town centre If excess rainfall continues to occur, as is predicted, then building on this land will contribute to further flooding.
Traffic congestion: The Ridge is already over used at key times. Placing 140 houses in a critical and difficult part of the bend in The Ridge is just asking for more trouble. Additional access to existing estates leading to Elphinstone Road may also be proposed following on from the proposed development.
Loss of an accessible and wildlife diverse green space: the footpath and its surrounding woodland and meadow, provide much needed wildlife habitat, contributing to biodiversity, plus general access to green space, much used by the public, including young people on their way to and from the Ark School.
Affordable housing is obviously needed but there are many other suitable sites for housing in the borough which do not require loss of a critical green space. This proposal will have disastrous consequences for many Hastings residents.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27518
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Jon Wilhelm
Further to Pages 195-197 Proposed Policy DEV6: Strategic Green Gaps
Sandrock Bends and Sandhurst playing fields should be added to these strategic gaps.
Sandhurst playing fields, between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and Sandrock Bends provide a Green Corridor from the ancient woodland of St Helen's Woods to the open countryside and farmland to the North of the ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife. An important strategic part of this green corridor is land described as “Sandrock Bends” in Hastings local plans. The loss of this area to housing or development would cut this green corridor which would be a tragic irreversible environmental loss of greenspace affecting both wildlife and the availability of greenspace to current and future residents.
The "Sandrock Bends” and the surrounding Sandhurst playing fields should be added to the Strategic Green Gaps in the local plan.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27621
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Southern Housing
We support the principle of this policy and the need to stop the coalescence of settlements etc. While this is the case, the strategic Green Gap boundaries should be reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate and fit for purpose. The supporting text should be updated to include reference to the review/evidence to support the policy. The supporting text (paragraph 5.134) also indicates the policy will still allow for agricultural buildings, conversions and replacement buildings. RDC should also consider including reference to this in the policy wording to ensure clarity.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27660
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Jane Tanner
As a Hastings resident I am firmly of the opinion that developments should take place on 'brown' land and redundant/derelict buildings (of which we have many) before any development is considered in the countryside.
Of particular importance to me is that the strategic green gap should include Sandhurst playing fields and areas around Stone stile lane and stone stile gardens, extending to the open countryside beyond, including Sandrock Stile beyond The Ridge. These are important wildlife areas that link to green and beautiful areas both in and out of town.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27663
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Alison Anderson
Regarding Proposed Policy DEV6 - Strategic Green Gaps. Of vital importance as a Wildlife corridor is the land at Sandrock Bends, forming as it does the only undeveloped area on The Ridge allowing wildlife movement from Sandhurst Rec and the countryside beyond that, through to St Helens Park Woods and Alexandra Park. This area should be included as a Strategic Green Gap
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27717
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mr Stewart Rayment
Pages 195-197
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Pages 195-197
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27722
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Mary Dawson
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
St Helens Woods LNR contains vulnerable Ancient Woodlands and recent ultrasonic bat surveys at St Helens Church located at 'Sandrock Bends' has found the presence of endangered Hazel Dormice in the disused playing fields adjacent to their garden. Also, hedgehogs have been observed in Stonestile Lane which runs alongside this greenspace.
https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/hazel-common-dormouse-muscardinus-avellanarius/
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/british-hedgehog-now-officially-classified-as-vulnerable-to-extinction/
The boundary of the High Weald along Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Bends' area on the other side of The Ridge.
Councils etc have boundaries but wildlife does not. One reason for loss of dormice for example is lack of wildlife corridors
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
St Helens Woods LNR contains vulnerable Ancient Woodlands and recent ultrasonic bat surveys at St Helens Church located at 'Sandrock Bends' has found the presence of endangered Hazel Dormice in the disused playing fields adjacent to their garden. Also, hedgehogs have been observed in Stonestile Lane which runs alongside this greenspace.
https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/hazel-common-dormouse-muscardinus-avellanarius/
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/british-hedgehog-now-officially-classified-as-vulnerable-to-extinction/
The boundary of the High Weald along Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Bends' area on the other side of The Ridge.
Councils etc have boundaries but wildlife does not. One reason for loss of dormice for example is lack of wildlife corridors
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27884
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Dr Susanne Jones
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside.
St Helens Park Preservation Society (ancient wood land and meadow preservation) feel that it is vital to the continued existance of their nature reserve.
The Sandrock bend area is well used by dog walkers and families. There were football fields used by youth groups, who would expand the useof this area for things like wood school , if they were able. There is a planned eco and community even being undertaken in Aug
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside.
St Helens Park Preservation Society (ancient wood land and meadow preservation) feel that it is vital to the continued existance of their nature reserve.
The Sandrock bend area is well used by dog walkers and families. There were football fields used by youth groups, who would expand the useof this area for things like wood school , if they were able. There is a planned eco and community even being undertaken in Aug
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 28083
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Christine Aitken
I am on the committee for St Helens Woods LNR and I believe it is essential to add another Strategic Green Gap to the Rother Draft Local Plan please see attachment below.
St Helens Woods LNR contains vulnerable Ancient Woodlands and recent ultrasonic bat surveys at St Helens Church located at 'Sandrock Bends' has found the presence of endangered Hazel Dormice in the disused playing fields adjacent to their garden. Also, hedgehogs have been observed in Stonestile Lane which runs alongside this greenspace.
Hazel (or Common) dormouse - People's Trust for Endangered Species
British hedgehog now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society
The boundary of the High Weald along Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Bends' area on the other side of The Ridge.
As can be seen from the image attached the land mentioned forms a vital habitat and biodiversity corridor between St Helens Wood LNR and the open countryside.
I am on the committee for St Helens Woods LNR and I believe it is essential to add another Strategic Green Gap to the Rother Draft Local Plan please see attachment below.
St Helens Woods LNR contains vulnerable Ancient Woodlands and recent ultrasonic bat surveys at St Helens Church located at 'Sandrock Bends' has found the presence of endangered Hazel Dormice in the disused playing fields adjacent to their garden. Also, hedgehogs have been observed in Stonestile Lane which runs alongside this greenspace.
Hazel (or Common) dormouse - People's Trust for Endangered Species
British hedgehog now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society
(Links to webpages added)
The boundary of the High Weald along Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Bends' area on the other side of The Ridge.
As can be seen from the image attached the land mentioned forms a vital habitat and biodiversity corridor between St Helens Wood LNR and the open countryside.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 28173
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Joanna Howell
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan:
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond.
These form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the north side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Another Strategic Green Gap should be added to the Plan:
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond.
These form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the north side of The Ridge. They are thus important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
Thank you for considering my comments
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 28179
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Lucy Carter
After reading the draft local plan, I would like to comment on / answer the question raised on page 197 that there should be a further Strategic Green Gap added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields (located between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens) and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the opposite side of The Ridge in Hastings.
They are therefore extremely important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields and undoubtedly contribute to drainage from rainwater away from The Ridge.
And re page 360, the trees currently in situ in this area are a vital commodity for absorbing pollution and creating oxygen, bearing in mind the heavy traffic along The Ridge.
Dear Sirs,
After reading the draft local plan, I would like to comment on / answer the question raised on page 197 that there should be a further Strategic Green Gap added to the Plan. The Sandhurst playing fields (located between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens) and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the opposite side of The Ridge in Hastings.
They are therefore extremely important for the passage of wildlife between St Helens Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields and undoubtedly contribute to drainage from rainwater away from The Ridge.
And re page 360, the trees currently in situ in this area are a vital commodity for absorbing pollution and creating oxygen, bearing in mind the heavy traffic along The Ridge.
Regards,
Lucy Carter
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 28302
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Myriam Lengline
I am emailing you as it just came to my attention the Draft Local Plan for the next 20 years in Rother's deadline is today.
Several months ago, I already objected by email to the plan of over 100 properties to be built on the Sandrock Bends land, just behind the St.Helens Woods Nature Reserve.
Nature and wildlife in Hastings and Rother are being destroyed at an alarming rate with the 'excuse' of the housing crisis (1 million empty homes in the UK, 800 just in Hastings!!!)... building on what is left of green lands in the area is not sustainable. Do we really want concrete and roads everywhere?
The Draft Local Plan document's pages 195-197, 359-361 & 378-379 are relevant to Sandrock (Hall) Bends, please take into consideration that, (just like the view of the Friends of St.Helens Woods and those in charge of the nature reserve), a Strategic Green Gap MUST be added to the plan.
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge.
They are thus critical for the passage of wildlife between St Helen's Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
We cannot go on building everywhere and witness nature and wildlife, already struggling, disappear even more. This is SO short-sighted, especially with the real dangers of Climate Change/the Climate Emergency.
The 'trend' of building on playing fields is a catastrophe for the local residents and their well-being (see the ridiculous fiasco of the Old Harrow Lane playing field in Hastings, sold by HBC to build so-called 'affordable' homes, with a developer going bust within months and the land now destroyed and left abandoned.)
Thank you for your attention and understanding.
I am emailing you as it just came to my attention the Draft Local Plan for the next 20 years in Rother's deadline is today.
Several months ago, I already objected by email to the plan of over 100 properties to be built on the Sandrock Bends land, just behind the St.Helens Woods Nature Reserve.
Nature and wildlife in Hastings and Rother are being destroyed at an alarming rate with the 'excuse' of the housing crisis (1 million empty homes in the UK, 800 just in Hastings!!!)... building on what is left of green lands in the area is not sustainable. Do we really want concrete and roads everywhere?
The Draft Local Plan document's pages 195-197, 359-361 & 378-379 are relevant to Sandrock (Hall) Bends, please take into consideration that, (just like the view of the Friends of St.Helens Woods and those in charge of the nature reserve), a Strategic Green Gap MUST be added to the plan.
The Sandhurst playing fields between Stonestile Lane and Sandhurst Gardens, and the open countryside beyond, form the only open space towards the ancient woodland of St Helens Wood in Hastings, along with the ‘Sandrock Hill’ area on the other side of The Ridge.
They are thus critical for the passage of wildlife between St Helen's Wood and the open countryside. They are also well-used as playing fields.
We cannot go on building everywhere and witness nature and wildlife, already struggling, disappear even more. This is SO short-sighted, especially with the real dangers of Climate Change/the Climate Emergency.
The 'trend' of building on playing fields is a catastrophe for the local residents and their well-being (see the ridiculous fiasco of the Old Harrow Lane playing field in Hastings, sold by HBC to build so-called 'affordable' homes, with a developer going bust within months and the land now destroyed and left abandoned.)
Thank you for your attention and understanding.