Stop building on our green spaces

The south of Wealden has seen unprecedented numbers of housing developments given planning consent in recent years.

In Westham alone (population was 6,000) this includes 1,105 homes with planning consent recently granted that have not yet been completed – with more in the pipeline.

Many of these houses are not of a size or price that makes them suitable for first-time buyers.

Of even more concern is the impact of all these developments on Pevensey Levels.

The Levels are a unique and internationally important wetland habitat – recognised as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and protected as a RAMSAR site by International Treaty.

Increased surface water run-off, and pollution caused by an overwhelmed sewerage system, could have a devastating impact on this precious resource.

Yet there is a tendency for Wealden councillors to agree large housing developments in the south of the district (Westham, Polegate, Hailsham and Hellingly) despite huge numbers of objections from local residents about the capacity of local services (road, schools and medical services) to meet the needs of huge numbers of new residents.

Could this be anything to do with the planning committee for the north of the district being almost solely made up of councillors from the north, while the committee for the south has more councillors from the north than from the south?

Whatever the reason – something needs to be done to stop this mania for house building on our precious green spaces.

Once they are gone, they can never be restored.