AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) LAND NORTH OF ERIDGE ROAD, CROWBOROUGH

Crowborough’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is now under threat by the proposed development of 119 Houses (WD/2017/2197/MAO) in the fields adjoining the Goldsmith Recreation Ground, Luxford Farm (listed building) and fronting Eridge Road. 

The High Weald AONB is one of only 36 in England. The protection enjoyed by this landscape, is not just in planning policy but in legislation(Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act).

The Co Directors of the High Weald AONB stated that: “…the AONB special character is that it is a hidden landscape with rolling hills, secret valleys and copious woodland and mature hedges. It is a landscape that has remained largely intact since the 14th century and the heritage and cultural value of it’s medieval farmsteads and fields are an integral part of its natural beauty.”

Whilst recognising there is a national requirement for more housing, land designated AONB should only be considered as a last resort when all other sites have been fully investigated. Therefore, many Townspeople believe that this land should not be developed into 119 Houses but should be protected for its environmental and recreational
benefits.

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* 1. Are you aware that this land is AONB

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* 2. Do you consider this land to be of recreation value to Crowborough Town?

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* 3. Do you walk or exercise on the footpaths through or around this land?

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* 4. If yes, how many years?

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* 5. Have you seen or are you aware of any wildlife or endangered species on this land or at
its ancient pond?

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* 6. If the land was developed into Houses, would you feel a sense of loss?

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* 7. Do you consider that there is enough accessible recreational open space within walking
distance of the Town Centre if this land was no longer available?

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* 8. Do you feel, as in the past, any new proposed local plan should continue to allocate this land as public open space?

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* 9. This sensitive planning application within the AONB was originally refused.

Wealden District Council (WDC) after protestations from the developers, chose to take legal advice and bring the application back to the planning committee (10 July 2020). The application was then consented. Despite repeated requests from the public, the full reason for WDC taking legal advice has not been provided.

Do you have confidence in a planning process and committee that allows this to happen on AONB land?

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* 10. Do you feel that major developments should be allowed in the High Weald AONB?

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* 11. Do you have any other comments you would like to add:

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* 12. Address

Disclaimer this questionnaire has been created by some concerned residents and should not be seen as coming from the Crowborough Town Council, who no doubt will carryout their own research.

The information contained in this questionnaire is intended to show that the protected AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) land North of Eridge Road which, is now subject to residential development is in fact needed for recreational purposes for the Townspeople who, over many years, have used the AONB land and thus created rights of way and footpaths.

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* 13. Your privacy is taken seriously, and your personal information will only be used to assist the protection of the AONB land. It may be necessary to contact you with regards to the AONB land. In such case, how would you prefer to be contacted:

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* 14. It maybe necessary to share a copy of completed questionnaires to Crowborough Town Council and Wealden
District Council to demonstrate that this AONB land needs protecting and not developing. Please confirm your consent.

Thank you and if you have any questions or change your mind please contact crowboroughtownspeople@gmail.com

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