Heathfield Green Space Election Poll

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1. Do you think the concerns regarding the Overdevelopment of the Countryside are justified and are there any solution to easing the concerns?

2. With all new developments attracting a Community Infrastructure Levy, have you concerns about the levy and is it being used to the benefit of the communities where the developments are taking place.

3. It is clear from all surveys that young people find it hard to stay local, have you a view on this and are there any solutions.

4. I understand the road maintenance falls under ESCC, but Wealden as a Local Planning Authority influence the pressure being put on the road network, what are your thoughts on the delivery of maintenance and road infrastructure delivery.

5. Concern for the environment is at an all-time high ... what are your thoughts on the Wealden Environment and what could we all do to improve it.

6. Policing ... the lack of visible policing presence is of great concern especially when considered in return for the substantial contribution which is made towards policing in Heathfield ... have you any thoughts on the subject and what could be done in a market town such as Heathfield to improve it.

Rupert Simmons - current elected councillor

1. Independent of ESCC, pressure is being brought to bare on WDC to increase housing development. The landscape of East Sussex is very precious to all Residents and protection of the Green Space between established development is vital. The maximization of Brown Field sites would seem essential in the circumstances. This would also apply to commercial development where employment opportunities are also essential for sustainable development. This would help in reducing commuter traffic.

2. Suitable infrastructure provision needs to be made to support any new development and this is one way to ensure this can be provided for. 

3. One of the most important aspects of my work as Lead member for the Economy is the provision for careers here in East Sussex for our Young. As Chair of the Grants and Loans Panel I have specifically encouraged job provision to all Businesses in the County trying to grow. We are fortunate now to have real exciting opportunities for careers in East Sussex where before our young would have sought futures further afield. My local contribution has been as Chair of the Wealden Works Organisation is to assist 16-24 year old NEETs (education, employment or training) into career opportunities.  Before this was conceived there was no support for NEETs in the rural parts of the County let alone the Country. I am very proud of this work. 

4. A high part of the ESCC annual budget is spent on maintenance of our Roads. There is also an importance to improve road provision in the County and here I am seeking Government investment to improve our connectivity and safety record. 

5. Protecting our environment is a high priority for the County Council where plans to reduce carbon emissions is already making substantial progress. 

6. I have endeavoured to work with the Police to ensure Policing in the Heathfield area is maximised. I chair the Local Action Team who work with the Inspector for Wealden regarding local community concerns in the Parish of Heathfield and Waldron. That local accountability has improved services provided. I also am now invited to chair the Regional Crime and Safety Action Group to ensure policing is addressed in the wider hinterland of Heathfield. This is also in conjunction with Inspector Kendall Wells. 

Kind regards, Rupert Simmons.

Jennifer Howells - Candidate

1. I am genuinely concerned about the over development that is happening in the Heathfield area, in addition to the over development in surrounding villages. It is the development of greenfield sites that are a particular concern (although I acknowledge that there are some of the same problems when there is too much building on brownfield sites such as decreasing air quality and congestion). As AONB, the South      Downs and SSSI and other restricted areas taking up two thirds of the district there is obviously and taking in to account the main A roads which contribute to the choice of where to build the building is concentrated in certain areas and here the greenfield sites are not protected although they may contain ancient woods so that people feel as      though the countryside alongside our towns and villages are taking the burden of Government policies. Apart from the concerns of congestion and air pollution from the extra traffic that is generated from building (even the construction industry adds to air pollution from the sand and  concrete, is acknowledged by Government departments such as Defra). I feel the types of homes being built are for the benefit of the developers and not the local people as most homes are 5 and 6 bedroom and are attracting people from out of the area. Wealden is a lovely area to live so you cannot blame them for taking advantage of what is on offer, and probably of good value for them too. Often though the new estates have been built and are planned to be built in areas unsuitable for housing development because of run-off water which occurs in the Wealden district, yet we are also increasingly suffering from more periods of      very dry weather, so the added developments are bound to cause problems with water supply at these times. The solution from the water authorities is to build another reservoir at Arlington. I support this but feel there is a limit to how much development can be sustained in Wealden. 
2. With regards to Levy my opinion is that the Levy's mitigate from the effects of extra vehicles, the access of vehicles from new estates on to roads, and the extra pedestrians using the pavements. Before the new estates were built there was less traffic and less pedestrians. Yes, I am pleased to have wider pavements and mini      roundabouts because they are needed due to the new estates. The Levy from      developers is not going to pay for new schools and doctor surgeries/pharmacies.      I know that ESCC has a problem with funding education facilities so where is the money coming from to build new schools? 
3. The reason young people find it hard to stay local is that it is hard to find an affordable house to rent or buy in the area. There is a need for smaller homes to be built for younger people to stay in the area. Also, if a young person is unable to afford a car, they are more likely to move out of the area because of the lack of public transport at suitable times for them to commute to the larger towns in the area. 
4. I support SCATE East Sussex, which is a campaign group for sustainable transport solutions. SCATE (- South Coast Alliance for Transport and the Environment (SCATE))     would like ESCC to spend the £1b for a proposed new offline dual carriageway for the A27 on improving the A27 instead, and perhaps there would be more funds for mending our potholes?
5. I am passionate about saving the environment of Wealden, and for that matter East Sussex, the UK as a whole and the world as we are all interconnected when it comes to the effects of climate change. Climate Change is caused by pollution, whether it be air pollution leading to greenhouse gases and ozone creation (we are affected by ozone      in Wealden in dry, sunny weather), plastic and other pollutants that contaminate our land and waterways. Climate Change affects our weather giving us extremes of excessive rain and droughts. The weather affects Wealden, and we need to ensure that homes that are built are built of suitable materials that save energy, and do not add to indoor pollution. It may be a surprise, but indoor pollution can be worse for a person than the ambient air pollution. It would be useful if WDC created more testing      stations for air pollution. It would be helpful if more EV charging points are installed to encourage the use of EV vehicles. I have the complaint that WDC concentrates on air pollution from vehicles and pollution close to the roads but does not consider that there are forms of air pollution that comes from aviation and shipping. In East Sussex we have a coast and Gatwick Airport. I have pledged to be a voice for CAGNE (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions Home - CAGNE).
6. With regards to policing I remember there was a police station at Heathfield once, this was then reduced times open and now there is none despite that there is a bigger population in 2021, and new developments planned. There has been better policing for rural crimes  which had increased dramatically, and at present dog theft is a major      concern. I have two little dogs myself and it is frightening to read what has been happening in local areas. I know the world with regard to policing has changed so much since I was a child and am realistic that society is totally different today. Perhaps when a new Police Commissioner is elected on May 6, we can ask the newly Commissioner what they think about policing for small market towns and villages. I wanted to report something a couple of years and it was extremely hard to get to talk to someone on the phone and ended up emailing online. I am fortunate that I can do that, but many older people have to rely on relatives to do this for them as they do not use computers. 

  Kevin Benton - Candidate for Vacant Seat

Question 1 Answer.

Yes I do believe that concerns in respect of over development in our countryside are justified and also sound.

Damage to the eco environment caused by the loss of habitat imparts an unacceptable detrimental impact on our lives and that of our wildlife.

Of acute concern to me is loss of agricultural land to make way for development. The madness of tomatoes, and other produce, being flown 3000 miles to arrive on supermarket shelves is a folly of the highest order.

On a holiday to France, when we could, I was very impressed that in the largest countrywide supermarket chain there is a dedicated section for fresh produce sourced within 25Km of the store. UK supermarkets should hang their heads in shame for continued global sourcing of product available locally. 

I have very serious concern over the destruction of Special Areas of Conservation, this is caused primarily by emissions from motor vehicles passing through these areas. Continually Wealden DC ignore the monitoring results that they have themselves recorded these demonstrate that NOX levels are already well in excess of legal requirements and even still climbing.

We are blessed in our area with land designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This designation afforded during the 1980's with good reason. Protective policy is in place and recently re affirmed by central government but ignored by WDC, I will have this topic very much in my sight for correction.

Question 2 Answer.

Another issue top on my agenda, should I be elected, is to ensure that Community Infrastructure Levy is well spent on the community, not used to support sub committee expenses purporting to be evaluating worthy recipients.

Question 3 Answer.

My concerns over retention of young folk in our area. Clearly employment opportunity choices are limited but the real issue is the cost of housing. Government classification of “ affordable housing” really is disingenuous, housing that qualifies under the description is rarely truly affordable for young Wealden families.

My issue is that local government is not able to raise capital to build social/ affordable housing and is reliant on developers providing an allocation as part of a wider scheme usually featuring large 4-5 bedroom detached houses. The reason for this is that central government do not provide a mechanism for funds to be raised.

For many years there has been a ready source of funds for the building of social housing at the right price quality, successive governments steadfastly refuse to acknowledge this especially the Conservative government. This source is Pension funds under the classification of SSAS. These funds, usually under the control of small groups of investors, have for years been investing very successfully in Industrial and Commercial property and are eager to extend into residential. These bodies are not get rich quick developers with no concern for the future but are seeking stable long term investments. It is blocked by HMRC every time there is a move to allow this excellent source of capital to come forward. This in my view is a scandal.

Question 4 Answer.

Highways maintenance is one of the first topics that many people I have been speaking with during my campaign, seize on. I know that it is a County Council responsibility but my concern is the lack of supply of new and or improved roads to accommodate the current uncontrolled building frenzy. This should, in my view, be a responsibility that lays firmly at District Council level when determining development planning applications. If elected it will be high on my agenda to promote a more in depth responsibility at District Council level during the planning process.

Question 5 Answer.

I have very strong views on the lack of genuine compliance by District Council on environmental matters. Almost exclusively all statutory law and policy on this topic are seen as a nuisance to the progress of building yet more unneeded houses in Wealden. This topic features at the top of my agenda to confront if elected.

Question 6 Answer.

Policing is yet another issue high on the list of most people I have spoken with. There is a general view that visible policing is almost non existent in Wealden, especially in the Heathfield area. I think realistically the “ Bobby on a bike” scenario will never return but getting police officers out on the streets again at strategic times is vital for a safe as possible community. 

 Vacant Seat

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Conservative Party Candidate, Heathfield South

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  Cornelie Usborne - Candidate

1. Yes! We could ease the situation by rejecting the present target of new housing figures central government tries to impose (1, 225 dwelling p.a.). We know that we can do this because.

a) Government’s suggestions are not legally binding.

b) The figure is too high given that East Sussex’s population is shrinking (in 2019 there were c. 1700 more deaths than births p.a.). In mid-2019 ES population was c. 560,000, a 7% increase over 2018. But the main driver for this is internal migration from within the UK.

c) Meeting government targets would be very damaging to our environment, AONB, to our health, to air quality and the increase of footfall.

2. Wealden District Council introduced CIL on 1st April 2016 for new residential and retail development. It is an important tool for WDC to use to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in our area. There is some doubt that WDC always enforces CIL and there is some evidence that some developers have been either too tardy to deliver the agreed infrastructure or that they have tried to avoid some of their duties. There needs to be clear determination to hold developers to account. 

3. Developers have been allowed to build too many executive houses, unsuitable and financially unattainable for most local residents, especially for young people.  We need to demand truly affordable houses for those local residents who need them: 1–2-bedroom dwellings to buy or to rent. More Council housing should be made available. 

4. ESCC is responsible for infrastructure including course roads. County Councillors should ensure that East Sussex Highways reliably informs planners about road infrastructure and they should turn down applications without the existing necessary road network. New dwelling must be built within easy reach of school, shops, doctors’ practices, either by safe foot or bicycle paths, or by public transport (e.g. electric buses). 

5. Some of the points above refer to protecting the environment. 

a) Hold the Council to its carbon commitments. Push for policies that will actually achieve this. We need to protect our green field and green sites in villages and towns from overdevelopment. Small building projects rather than large developments.

b) New buildings must be built sustainably and to Passivhaus standards. Existing homes need to be retrofitted to the highest standards of energy efficiency.

c) Empty homes should be brought back into use. VAT on refurbishment to be scrapped.

d) Oppose major road development on climate and biodiversity grounds. Reduce speed on most roads to 20ph and replace car travel by active travel and public transport. 

6. More money to be invested into community-based policing, but also into the causes of crime (education, employment and youth services).

Cornelie Usborne, Green Party candidate for Wealden East in the forthcoming East Sussex County Council elections. 

  Bob Bowdler - Candidate

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  Mike Baker - Candidate

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