Thakeham housing development will threaten ‘unspoilt countryside’

Thakeham Homes is bidding to build 3,500 houses called Wealdcross on farmland at Buck Barn, West Grinstead and state that in building them they are aiming for 20 per cent biodiversity net gain across the site – but what exactly is biodiversity and how is it measured? Writes Frances Martin of Cowfold Road, West Grinstead
An aerial view of the Knepp Estate, which could be affected by the development, according to critics of the proposals.An aerial view of the Knepp Estate, which could be affected by the development, according to critics of the proposals.
An aerial view of the Knepp Estate, which could be affected by the development, according to critics of the proposals.

A total of 3,500 houses of four people per house (average) equates to 14,000 people together with bicycles, skate boards and all the other detritus that families accumulate.

There will be an average of two cars per house equating to 7, 000 plus delivery and service vehicles. Many occupants will have dogs to walk and cats to roam which is certainly not conducive to undisturbed wildlife.

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People bring pollution not just from vehicle emissions but noise, waste and light. The Weald is recognised as one of the last remaining areas in South East England as having ‘dark skies’. The proposed greenfield development must mean huge areas will be Tarmacked over for roads, parking, pavements and even to every front door.

While constructing this new town the developer will dig deep into the ground to bury concrete and plastic, destroying yet another piece of precious Wealden sward from which the famous Southdown sheep, the oldest of the terminal breed in the UK, believed to have originated from the sheep which roamed the South Downs many hundreds of years ago, have developed.

All the tiny creepy crawlies that go unnoticed and which are essential for a healthy soil will be destroyed.

I have no doubt there will be many nice small gardens filled with flowers, shrubs and small trees from all over the world – who wants a Sussex Weed (oak tree) in or near your garden?

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The gardens will be lovingly tended with Rose Clear, Lawn Care and artificial fertilizers. Of course there will be patios for ‘outdoor living’ and probably a plastic conservatory.

If you walk the footpaths which cross these farms in the Spring you will certainly hear nightingales and the cuckoo, spot a sparrow hawk and buzzards and if you are very quiet may even see a roe deer in the woods.

NO, Thakeham Homes, you cannot blindside the public and Horsham District Council with meaningless promises of biodiversity and your vision of lovely open spaces with access for all in an unspoilt countryside.

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