Media Release : 09 August 2012

These constraints are founded on the legal requirements of the European Union's Habitat Regulations embodied in the Council's emerging planning policy, the Core Strategy.
"We are acutely aware of the frustration which some developers and members of the public feel when looking to build within the environmental protection area around the Ashdown Forest," said Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden Cabinet Member for Planning and Development.  

"I am hoping to invite early views from representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of both Crowborough and Uckfield, and other community groups, about possible mitigation measures while we await the final deliberations of the Planning Inspector. The economic sustainability of the district cannot be ignored. We want to see positive growth, in keeping with economic, social and environmental progress now and in the future."

"We are increasing the capacity of the Council to allow in-depth monitoring of the impact of nitrogen deposition and visitor pressures. The work has already begun and we expect to be able to provide further information about the mitigation of recreational pressures in the autumn.

"Wealden is determined to achieve a position where all those concerned can achieve a shared understanding of how the need for growth can best be met whilst observing the legal duty to protect our sensitive and much-envied environment."

The legal duty applies because of the highly sensitive environment of the Ashdown Forest, which is the largest area of lowland heath in the South East. Although subject to the highest level of habitat protection that can be conferred, the Ashdown Forest habitat is currently deteriorating due to environmental pressures including nitrogen deposition from motor vehicle exhausts and excessive recreational pressures. As a result the Council is required to limit further damage while allowing for necessary growth in housing, employment, community and leisure facilities.