Call for halt to large development in Sidley

Andy Batsford, county council candidate for the new Bexhill North ward, said people were concerned that resources, such as doctors’ surgery and primary school placements were at ‘breaking point’.

Andy, who is a serving Hastings borough councillor and who grew up in Sidley, said: “We can’t keep on building new home in Sidley and north Bexhill without looking at a proper plan to address concerns.

“I am calling, along with residents, for a halt on large building developments until there is a clear plan on how the additional homes and families will be provided with additional public resources.

“Sidley residents deserve a planned approach to its growth. You cannot keep on adding homes without the public resources, schools, doctors, adult social care and nursery placements.

“As building developments come there has to be money invested in the village and surrounding area or the standard of living will continue to drop, health will deteriorate and children’s education will suffer.”

A Rother District Council spokesman said: “In producing its Local Plans, the council liaises with the responsible bodies for such infrastructure to ensure there is sufficient capacity at the right time. Similarly, the views of infrastructure providers are sought to inform the council’s consideration of planning applications.

“Both the council’s plans and submitted planning applications are publicised to enable residents to give their views, which are taken into account when making decisions.

“In addition, to help fund key infrastructure needed as a result of the development, the council last year introduced a Community Infrastructure Levy to complement the main programmes of the relevant agencies.

“This may be used to help deliver roads, flood defences, schools, hospitals and other health and social care facilities.”

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England recently published its final recommendations for new electoral arrangements for East Sussex County Council. In it are three new wards for Bexhill - North, South and West.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.