Conservation

The proposed development is in direct conflict with Hastings Council’s Biodiversity Policies as set out in the Local Plan. Their assurances to protect Hastings green spaces have been comprehensively ignored and overridden. Why generate Policies if there is no intention to enforce these Policies? The people of Hastings have been mislead.

HASTINGS PLAN 2004 (available on Hastings Council website) 
 
HASTINGS CONSERVATION STRATEGY
The following statements illustrate Hastings Council’s abandonment of Policies relating to Conservation Issues.  Where is the logic in producing Plans for public consultation if these Plans and Policies are subsequently ignored when it suits?

Policy NC2: Protecting the Green Network
The green network itself includes all the important and recognised wildlife sites. This includes SSSI’s, LNR’s, SCNI’s, woodlands, rivers, coastal areas, ponds and informal open spaces.

Policy NC 2.1
Resist developments which may adversely affect the integrity of the green network.

Policy NC 2.5
Recognise the green network covers appropriate woodland edge and marginal vegetation structures and therefore resist developments which will adversely affect the continuity and integrity of these margins.

Policy NC3: Protecting Important Sites, Habitats and Species
Development proposals which will adversely affect any land designated as an SSSI, LNR, SNCI or land identified as having demonstrable nature conservation importance which contributes to the overall natural resource of the district will not normally be accepted. Furthermore the Borough Council will use all its available powers to enforce all relevant legislation and guidelines (both national and international) concerning the protection of wild plants and animals.
The Council recognises the need to protect habitats and important nature areas and those which sustain some of the rarest plant and animal species whose survival is dependent upon their protection.

Policy NC 3.5
Seek to safeguard and protect areas designated as Local Nature Reserves by resisting development proposals which would directly or indirectly have a damaging impact on the wildlife and nature conservation interest of the site. (This proposed development will have significant and far-reaching negative impacts on the woodland and the wildlife).

Policy NC5: Local Nature Reserve Allocations.
The following sites are allocated as Local Nature Reserves:

• Church Wood and Robsack Wood (but note that part of Robsack Wood has been excluded from the LNR).

• Summerfields Wood

• Hastings Country Park/Fairlight Farm

• Ponds Wood

• South Saxons Wetlands.

Policy NC6: Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
Development proposals within or adjacent to Sites of Nature Conservation Importance will not be permitted unless there is a local need which outweighs any to the nature conservation interest…..
The policy recognises that nature is not static. The nature conservation value of an SCNI may decline, or the value of a site not currently designated as an SCNI may increase: each site will be considered on its own merits in relation to this policy if and when development is proposed.

Species Protection
Hastings has a large badger population and the Council is concerned to protect setts and foraging grounds where these may be affected by development. If protected species may be seriously affected by a development, planning permission should be refused because the harm is a material planning consideration and other legislation may be rendered ineffective to prevent harm to the species if development is allowed to proceed. (The current surveys provide only a snapshot of badger activity – further surveys are recommended – this has not taken place). (Surveys on the two ponds in Robsack Wood are incomplete – Canopy consultants recommended surveys to establish the presence or otherwise of great crested newts).

Policy NC7: The Green Network
Planning permission will not be granted for any development that would sever or intrude into it, or otherwise cause harm to its nature or purpose. (The current plans will sever and isolate the woodlands and cause the degradation of the meadow habitat and the loss of the foraging area used by bats which are a European Protected Species).

Policy NC 10: Ancient Woodland
Ancient Woodland is defined as an area which has had a continuous woodland cover since at least AD 1600. As such, the ecological associations between plants, animals, birds and insects which have adapted over hundreds of years are very fragile and subject to irreversible damage when disturbed.  Ancient Woodlands are, therefore, recognised as one of the most valuable and important habitat types in Britain today. Ancient Woodland comprises an irreplaceable asset of great importance to nature conservation which, once destroyed, can never be recreated.  As a result, many of the plants, insects and other organisms which are found in ancient woodlands are virtually confined to this habitat and found in no other woodland habitat.
The Borough Council will consult the Forestry Commission on all planning applications affecting Ancient Woodland. (The Council did not consult The Forestry Commission on this planning application).

It is clear that Hastings council places monetary gain ahead of the promised protection of our important ancient woodlands and wildlife.

Last updated: 14/01/10