Latimer and Clarion Group has applied to build 70 to 140 houses at Lime Cross in Herstmonceux.
As part of this, developers have applied to instal a pipe to drain the field of natural surface water, through a pipe under Chapel Row into a field on the opposite side of the road.
Lime Park Heritage Trust, which maintains Herstmonceaux Museum, an ecomuseum in the village, contend that this will have the effect of starving the two long established ponds in Lime Park of water.
These ponds support ducks, moorhens, toads, herons, fish and great crested newts and the trust fear for the loss of the ecosystem.
The trust is urging residents of Herstmonceux to write to Wealden District Council and has written to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner MP and Steve Reed MP, the appointed secretaries of state dealing with planning and the environment, asking them to call in the application.
The trust said: “This network of ponds has been sustained for over 40 years by surface water runoff from the adjacent field.
“Diverting this water source will have a devastating impact on the ponds, likely leading to their desiccation and the destruction of the established ecosystem.
“Critically, the pond network is an integral part of the setting of a unique local heritage asset: the only surviving early electricity generating station from circa 1896.
“This building is a significant historical landmark, and its setting, including the ponds and surrounding landscape, contributes significantly to its historical and architectural significance.”
A spokesperson for Latimer said: “We developed a surface water drainage solution in close consultation with the local flood authority.
“The proposal is designed to maintain water flow to the local pond network while fully mitigating the risk of flooding on and around the site—an issue we understand is of rightful concern to the local community.
“As part of the application process, the proposal will undergo a full review by both the local planning authority and the local flood authority to ensure there is no negative impact on the local environment or ecosystem.
“We at Latimer are confident the proposal will be accepted, enabling the delivery of 70 much-needed homes, including 25 affordable properties, in line with the site’s existing planning permission.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
