Monday 25 November 2013
Media release: ADUR DISTRICT COUNCIL URGED TO U-TURN ON GREENFIELD SPRAWL
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Sussex, has responded to the proposed Adur District Council revised strategic plan asking the Council to look again at its proposals for major development on sensitive sites in the area, which it says will damage precious countryside and increase pressure on areas prone to flooding.
CPRE Sussex asks the Council to reconsider its plans for development at New Monks Farm, West Sompting and Shoreham Airport which it says would destroy the rural fringe character of these greenfield areas, and irretrievably harm cherished local vistas into the historic landscape and countryside beyond.
David Johnson, Chair of CPRE Sussex, said
“The Adur Local Plan needs a significant rethink and we hope that the District Council will dig deep to find brownfield land and unlock sites held onto by developers to demonstrate that building on greenfield land in this way is inappropriate and unnecessary. We urge the Council to present a response to ‘top down’ government pressure on development, which protects the special character of Adur and ensures sustainable development for many years to come.”
CPRE Sussex is concerned that the developments will have a significant effect on the quality of life and wellbeing of rural fringe communities affected. The local character and integrity of Lancing and Sompting Gaps is under threat, and it calls for Adur to stand up to pressure from central government to earmark greenfield ‘easy win’ sites, and work harder to show that another way is possible.
ENDS
Press contact: Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex georgia.wrighton@cpresussex.org.uk 07964894333
