Campaign

Despite Hastings Council giving minimal notification of the planning application to residents, over 100 residents signed a petition objecting to the proposed development. There were no letters of support for the proposal. Many letters of objection were also sent to the planning department.

Notwithstanding the outcry from residents, on 18 June 2008, the planning committee granted themselves outline planning consent for the erection of two five storey blocks of flats on this important site. At a further meeting on 2 March 2009 it was agreed to dispose of the site to a developer. Again, objectors presented letters of objection and were represented at the meeting. All the issues raised were ignored.

Since April 2008, we have vigorously maintained that Robsack Meadow is an inappropriate site for any development – this area is a Local Nature Reserve – ancient woodland can never be replaced. Habitats fragmented and devastated by unsympathetic development can never recover.  

The planning officers at the Council met with objectors on 3 November 2009. We presented 12 separate files outlining our concerns – many of these concerns were not addressed at this meeting. Some officers were in disagreement among themselves with written statements that we had received. It seemed that the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing. They refused to acknowledge that planning procedures were misleading or that any bias was shown in the planning decision.  We intend to pursue this issue.  The council are aware that they have unlimited financial resources to fight any legal action. We do not have this privilege. However, if sufficient numbers are able to support us, there is light at the end of the tunnel – Protect Robsack Meadow! Once lost, it is lost forever and an amenity that has been enjoyed by local residents for many decades will be gone. Make your protest now!! Write to the Council, write to the local paper, write to your MP and let others know how this short sighted council is endeavouring to destroy our town and our important green spaces. Robsack Meadow is just one of many shocking planning issues that are currently taking place with the endorsement of Hastings Council’s planning department…..