New homes will drain onto Pevensey Levels, a precious green space

From: Will MillerMilton Street, Hankham, Pevensey
Waller's Haven on Pevensey Levels looking towards Herstmonceux in the late afternoon winter sun. January 20th 2014 E03185Q ENGSUS00120140122104451Waller's Haven on Pevensey Levels looking towards Herstmonceux in the late afternoon winter sun. January 20th 2014 E03185Q ENGSUS00120140122104451
Waller's Haven on Pevensey Levels looking towards Herstmonceux in the late afternoon winter sun. January 20th 2014 E03185Q ENGSUS00120140122104451

Despite the personal plea by Sir David Attenborough to preserve the last of our natural habitats, and, despite the international campaign by the school children of the Extinction Rebellion to preserve their future – Wealden District Council is approving vast development schemes, effectively concreting over our last precious green spaces.

Certainly the council has been threatened by central government – if the council won’t do it, then central government will.

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Yet, it is a poor reflection on the local politicians representing us that they have put their jobs first.

New approvals are being waved through without any Environmental Impact Assessment on the cumulative impact of such development on protected areas.

There are close to 2,000 approvals for houses in between Westham and Polegate, most of which will eventually drain onto the Pevensey Levels.

The wetland habitat of the Pevensey Levels is so environmentally important it is covered by some five different designations.

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Yet, some planning applications openly propose residential sewage treatment effluent will drain into it.

The additional air pollution and heavy metal run-off in surface water is not even mentioned.

Wealden doesn’t need additional housing, so those who take up residence will be commuting, further increasing the pollution impact.

Advisors to the government have instead proposed creating employment through re-greening as an economic stimulus.

It is labour intensive and a win on several policy fronts.

Sadly, the opposite is being done.

Accordingly, as council elections approach in May, local residents should think very carefully about who they elect.