Why a protest vote will make Seaford vulnerable to pressure for more development

Seaford's seafront and beach. Picture by Peter Cripps

I worry that Seaford residents will cut off their noses to spite their faces! Many people have well-founded complaints on how Lewes District Council have ridden rough-shod over Seaford preferences in the past and there are some who don’t support our town council.

However, to vote against the Neighbourhood Plan on these grounds is pointless. Without a Plan Seaford will remain open to decisions made by LDC with little or no consultation. The Plan, which may not be perfect, protects green spaces and identifies the most suitable sites where the 183 homes that must be provided can be built. The controversial siting of a new health hub and homes at the Downs has been removed. Seafordians have contributed to the Plan throughout its creation and it reflects their aspirations for how the town should develop. Having a Plan will provide additional funding for infrastructural and recreational facilities. When developers bid to build on the sites the normal planning system will allow for demands and objections to be heard. The Plan cannot be reviewed again at this stage and must go to a referendum on February 6. Whatever reservations voters have, they should take the chance to vote YES and not think a ‘protest’ vote will do anything but impede progress and make the town more vulnerable to external pressures for development.

Penny Lower

Sutton Park Road

Seaford 

Ref Seaford Neighbourhood Plan. Does anyone really understand what they will be voting for on February 6?

Paul Lambert

Bowden Rise

Seaford