Campaigners drop putting green issue

Chairman John Lee says the decision to withdraw was not taken lightly but follows a lengthy meeting with Rother chief executive Derek Stevens in the aftermath of the abandonment of the controversial 60-bed hotel scheme for the site to confirm the council's intentions.

In a letter to members, the SOS chairman says the purpose of seeking action under the Commons Registration Act was to prevent the open space being developed.

"As you will know by now, the hotel project will not now proceed due to the sheer weight of public opposition. The council has confirmed the status of the site as Public Trust land.

"As a group, SOS is now persuaded that the Town Green status in these changed circumstances carries certain risks with regard to the way the green might be used.

"For example, casual camping, bonfires, off-road cycling, conflicting group activities and a downward spiral of gradual deterioration.

"We consider that on balance, given that there is now no intention to build on this site, the retention of the site by the council as Public Trust land offers the best prospect for its preservation and continued enjoyment by residents on present lines compared with the risks attendant on Town Green status.

"When it was proposed to construct a large and intrusive hotel on the site those risks were considered acceptable but now that the building threat has been removed we have decided to withdraw the application."

The chairman's letter thanks campaign supporters and concludes: "It was not wasted effort and, indirectly, I am certain it contributed to the weight of public opinion which caused the decision to withdraw the building proposal."

The chairman says he is confident that in withdrawing its application for town green status for the site, SOS has now done the right thing in changed circumstances.