LETTER: Protection for a special area

It is staggering to read how they attempt to justify their unlawful development as a way of meeting central government renewable targets and supporting the National Planning Policy Framework. Had Crouchland Biogas and their advisors done their homework properly, they would know that Eric Pickles, the Environment Secretary, stood up in the House of Commons last April and said: “This coalition government has reformed the planning process so that communities themselves have the opportunity to influence the decisions that affect their lives.

“We have abolished regional strategies, and their top down renewable energy targets, and are encouraging local councils to work with their communities to set out in their local plan where developments for renewable energy should and should not take place.

“We have also been very clear that the views of local communities should be listened to.”

All the parish councils surrounding Crouchland Farm have made the feelings of the local community very clear to the West Sussex County Council planning authorities.

While we were happy to support the original anaerobic digester to process ‘on-farm’ waste, we are unanimously opposed to the industrial scale development that has taken place on the site and the damage and harm that it is inflicting on this rural environment.

We trust West Sussex County Council will use its powers to protect this special area noted for its remoteness, tranquility and quietness.

The community has spoken.

Sara Burrell, chair, Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council; Ian Campbell, chair, Kirdford Parish Council; Roger Newman, chair, Loxwood Parish Council;

Keith Charman, chair, Wisborough Green Parish Council

Plaistow Road, Ifold