
In Wealden 47% of CO2 comes from transport, with another 35% from
housing. Yet, despite declaring a Climate Emergency, sustainable timber
flatpacks are non existent in the District, as are charging
points for EVs on newbuilds or along the high streets and in car
parks. Two obvious ways of lowering carbon footprints. To many councils,
conservation laws and protection of wildlife, human rights, etc., are
not sacrosanct, but something they look to overcome. It should of course
be the other way around. Conservation, wildlife and human rights should
come first!
The
developers of the field at Lime Cross in Herstmonceux have applied for a
pipe to drain the field of natural surface water, through a pipe
(presumably) under Church Road or Chapel Row, into a field on the opposite
side of the road, into Lime End Farm.
This
will have the effect of starving the two long established ponds in Lime Park
of water, eventually starving those ponds that are reliant on the water from
the adjacent field to keep: Ducks, Moorhens, Toads, Herons, Fish and Great
Crested Newts alive. We wonder if a proper study has been carried out, where
Southern Water demolished Badger Sets, claiming to have conducted a study.
But in fact that study was defective, and the company have refused (so far)
to provide a copy for inspection.
We
would urge residents of Herstmonceux Village, who might be concerned as to
over development, the loss of dog walking and most of all, the threat to
wildlife, to write to Wealden District Council in the following (suggested)
terms:
We
are off to a running start in January 2025, where the developers of the
field at Lime Cross in Herstmonceux have applied for a pipe to drain the
field of natural surface water, through a pipe (presumably) under Church
Road or Chapel Row, into a field on the opposite side of the road, into Lime
End Farm.
A
pond habitat has to be mature to support Herons and Ducks. This picture
is of a Heron in Lime Park. In the second pond, there are Great Crested
Newts. The area also features Toads, Fish and Moorhens. A Heron was seen
on ice this (January) when the pond froze over. Our conservationist was
too slow to get a picture.
These
pictures were taken of a toad in Lime Park in September 2022. They are a
regular feature in Lime Park, somehow finding their way into an
outbuilding at the Museum every year, and they are most welcome.
Toads spend most of their adult lives on land, only returning to ponds to breed. It's natural for them to explore and inhabit terrestrial habitats, including areas near human dwellings.
Toads have permeable skin and are prone to drying out. Outbuildings, especially those with damp areas, crevices, or shaded spots, provide ideal refuge from the sun and dry air. They offer a cool, humid environment that helps toads retain moisture.
During the colder months, toads seek safe and frost-free places to hibernate. Outbuildings, such as sheds, garages, and cellars, can offer suitable overwintering sites, with spaces under floorboards, in piles of wood, or within cracks in walls.
The field and Museum building is also home to Bumble Bees, and the
surrounding trees; Bats.
Latimer
Homes and Clarion Housing Group applied in October 2024, their
application was held to be valid on the 18th of December 2024. At time
of writing we are thus in the 'Consultation' period, ending on the 7th February
2025. After which any objections will not be considered. Time is thus of
the essence, if you want your views to be counted!

This
will have the effect of starving the two long established ponds in Lime Park
of water, eventually starving those ponds that are reliant on the water from
the adjacent field to keep: Ducks, Moorhens, Toads, Herons, Fish and Great
Crested Newts alive. We wonder if a proper study has been carried out, where
Southern Water demolished Badger Sets, claiming to have conducted a study.
But in fat that study was defective, and the company have refused (so far)
to provide a copy for inspection.
We
would urge residents of Herstmonceux Village, who might be concerned as to
over development, the loss of dog walking and most of all, the threat to
wildlife, to write to Wealden District Council in the following (suggested)
terms:
Official
government advice is to refuse applications with the potential to harm
protected species, but if nobody objects, proposals that are defective
in terms of surveys, etc., are likely to be passed. So, please, if you
like the local ecology and would prefer that the wildlife presently
enjoyed is conserved for future generations, write to your local member,
and/or Wealden District Council's planning department to have your say.
Dear Councillors
Planning Officers & Chief Executive,
FORMAL
LETTER OF OBJECTION: PLANNING APPLICATION NUMBER: WD/2024/2257/MAJ
I/we am/are writing to express our strongest possible objections to the proposed diversion of surface water from the field adjacent to the pond network at Lime Park. This proposal poses a severe threat to the established ecosystem, local heritage, and amenity value of this unique site.
This network of ponds has been sustained for over 40 years by surface water runoff from the adjacent field. This established flow of water has become a prescriptive right under the Prescription Act 1832, meaning that the continued flow of water cannot be legally obstructed after such a long period of uninterrupted use.
The
same prescriptive right applies to dog walkers, who use, and have carved
out additional paths circumnavigating and criss-crossing the field,
about which the Footpath Warden appears to have been unwilling to update
your Council's records. Such footpaths being enjoyed for over 40 years.
Diverting this water source will have a devastating impact on the ponds, likely leading to their desiccation and the destruction of the established ecosystem.
We are deeply concerned about the impact on protected species, including
ducks,
toads,
moorhens,
herons, and
great crested
newts, which are known to inhabit the ponds. The proposed development could be in breach of the following legislation, and potentially illegal, with those involved in any grant of permission, becoming accessories to any wildlife crime, as per the Abettors Act of 1861:
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
- Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Furthermore, we believe the proposed diversion infringes upon the rights of those affected under the Human Rights Act 1998:
- Article 8 (Right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence): The ponds and surrounding environment form an integral part of the local community's enjoyment of the area, impacting their private and family life.
- Protocol 1, Article 1 (Protection of property): The established ecosystem and the amenity value of the ponds contribute to the value of surrounding properties and represent a form of "possession"
that should be protected.
Critically, the pond network is an integral part of the setting of a unique local heritage asset: the only surviving early electricity generating station from circa 1896. This building is a significant historical landmark, and its setting, including the ponds and surrounding landscape, contributes significantly to its historical and architectural significance. Also, a potential future
UNESCO
world heritage
site. The rural setting and surrounding countryside are part of the charm of the technology that nestles in this estate, as a time capsule. This historical and environmental context may well be protected by other conservation law, and that is now under threat. The proposed diversion would severely compromise this historical setting and diminish the heritage value of the site.
We urge you to immediately reconsider the proposed surface water diversion and conduct a thorough and independent ecological and heritage impact assessment. This assessment must consider the long-term impact on the pond ecosystem, protected species, the established water flow rights under the Prescription Act, human rights considerations, and the impact on the setting of the historic generating station.
We demand a full consultation with all stakeholders, including local residents, heritage organizations, and environmental groups, to find a solution that protects this invaluable natural and historical asset. We are prepared to pursue all available legal avenues to protect this important site.
Yours sincerely,
Concerned of Herstmonceux
[Your name and address]

THE
TWO ENDANGERED PONDS
-
ALREADY SUFFERING FROM A LOSS OF WATER FLOW DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, THE
PROPOSAL TO DIVERT SURFACE WATER FROM THE ADJACENT FIELD IS TANTAMOUNT
TO A DEATH SENTENCE FOR THE FLORA AND FAUNA THAT PRESENTLY ENJOYS THE
HABITAT. YOU CAN WALK THE FIELDS AND SEE POND NUMBER ONE, THAT FEEDS
POND NUMBER TWO - WHICH IS NOT VISIBLE FROM PUBLIC FOOTPATHS. BUT AS YOU
CAN SEE, GOOGLE MAPS SHOWS THESE BODIES OF WATER - WHICH YOU CAN CHECK
FOR YOURSELVES. THESE ARE THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, IN DIFFERENT
VIEWS: MAPS & SATELLITE.

POISON
WATER SUPPLY - THEN
THERE IS THE MATTER OF THE ANCIENT WELL THAT IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF WATER
FOR HERSTMONCEUX MUSEUM, THE PROPOSED HOUSES, CONTAMINATION FROM
HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES AND HYDROCARBONS IS A CRIMINAL VIOLATION OF THE
'OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON ACT OF 1861' SECTIONS 23 AND 24 - IN THE
MAKING. ALL THOSE HELPING THE OWNERS OF THE FIELD SUPPLYING THE WELL,
MIGHT WELL BE GUILTY OF A CONSPIRACY IN THE MATTER.
Please
copy and paste this draft into your word processing document, and modify
as you see fit, so as to be comfortable with the language used. Please
see the links below to the applicable law (statute & regulations).
And be warned, both Statutes and Regulations are very long and
complicated. Reading will take some time, thus try to look only at the
applicable sections.
Thank you all in advance, for your time looking at this extremely
important local issue. : )

Now
that is what we call rewilding. The oak tree in the middle of this
field, and others dotted around the perimeter have been seeding rather
well. The tall grass and other shrubs are providing homes for much
wildlife. The hope is that, apart from footpaths and historic rights of
way, that this becomes a focal point for family walks, ramblers, hikers
and dog walkers in the village of Herstmonceux.
THE
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981
1981 CHAPTER 69
An Act to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 and the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975; to prohibit certain methods of killing or taking wild animals; to amend the law relating to protection of certain mammals; to restrict the introduction of certain animals and plants; to amend the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976; to amend the law relating to nature conservation, the countryside and National Parks and to make provision with respect to the Countryside Commission; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; and for connected purposes.
[30th October 1981]
Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as
follows: —
PART I Wildlife
Protection of birds
1. Protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs
2. Exceptions to s. 1
3. Areas of special protection
4.Exceptions to ss. 1 and 3
5. Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild birds
6. Sale etc. of live or dead wild birds, eggs etc.
7. Registration etc. of certain captive wild birds
8. Protection of captive birds
Protection of other animals
9. Protection of certain wild animals
10.Exceptions to s. 9
11.Prohibition of certain methods of killing or taking wild animals
12. Protection of certain mammals
Protection of plants
13. Protection of wild plants
Miscellaneous
14. Introduction of new species etc.
15. Endangered species (import and export)
Supplemental
16. Power to grant licences
17. False statements made for obtaining registration or licence etc.
18. Attempts to commit offences etc.
19. Enforcement
20. Summary prosecutions
21. Penalties, forfeitures etc.
22. Power to vary Schedules
23. Advisory bodies and their functions
24. Functions of Nature Conservancy Council
25. Functions of local authorities
26. Regulations, orders, notices etc.
27. Interpretation of Part I
PART II Nature Conservation, Countryside and National Parks
Nature conservation
28. Areas of special scientific interest
29. Special protection for certain areas of special scientific interest
30. Compensation where order is made under s. 29
31. Restoration where order under s. 29 is contravened
32. Duties of agriculture Ministers with respect to areas of special scientific interest
33. Ministerial guidance as respects areas of special scientific interest
34. Limestone pavement orders
35. National nature reserves
36. Marine nature reserves
37. Byelaws for protection of marine nature reserves
38. Grants and loans by Nature Conservancy Council
Countryside
39. Management agreements with owners and occupiers of land
40. Experimental schemes
41. Duties of agriculture Ministers with respect to the countryside
National Parks
42. Notification of agricultural operations on moor and heath in National Parks
43. Maps of National Parks showing certain areas of moor or heath
44. Grants and loans for purposes of National Parks
45. Power to vary order designating National Park
46. Membership of National Park authorities
Miscellaneous and supplemental
47. Provisions with respect to the Countryside Commission
48. Duties of water authorities etc. with respect to nature conservation and the countryside
49. Extension of power to appoint wardens
50. Payments under certain agreements offered by authorities
51. Powers of entry
52. Interpretation of Part II
PART III Public Rights of Way
Ascertainment of public rights of way
53. Duty to keep definitive map and statement under continuous review
54. Duty to reclassify roads used as public paths
55. No further surveys or reviews under the 1949 Act
56. Effect of definitive map and statement
57. Supplementary provisions as to definitive maps and statements
58. Application of ss. 53 to 57 to inner London
Miscellaneous and supplemental
59. Prohibition on keeping bulls on land crossed by public rights of way
60. Regulation of traffic on public rights of way
61. Ploughing of public rights of way
62. Appointment of wardens for public rights of way
63. Orders creating, extinguishing or diverting footpaths and bridleways
64. Publication of dedication of footpaths and bridleways
65. Signposting of byways open to all traffic
66. Interpretation of Part III
PART IV Miscellaneous and General
67. Application to Crown
68. Application to the Isles of Scilly
69. Offences by bodies corporate etc.
70. Financial provisions
71. General interpretation
72. Minor amendments
73. Repeals and savings
74. Short title, commencement and extent
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1 Birds which are Protected by Special Penalties
SCHEDULE 2 Birds Which May Be Killed or Taken
SCHEDULE 3 Birds which may be Sold
SCHEDULE 4 Birds Which Must Be Registered and Ringed if Kept in Captivity
SCHEDULE 5 Animals which are Protected
SCHEDULE 6 Animals which may not be Killed or Taken by Certain Methods
SCHEDULE 7 PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MAMMALS
SCHEDULE 8 Plants which are Protected
SCHEDULE 9 Animals and plants to which section 14 applies
SCHEDULE 10 Amendments of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
SCHEDULE 11 Procedure in connection with Certain Orders under Part II
SCHEDULE 12 Procedure in Connection With Orders Under Section 36
SCHEDULE 13 Provisions With Respect to the Countryside Commission
SCHEDULE 14 Applications for Certain Orders Under Part III
SCHEDULE 15 Procedure in Connection with Certain Orders Under Part III
SCHEDULE 16 Orders Creating, Extinguishing or Diverting Footpaths or Bridleways
SCHEDULE 17 Enactments Repealed
THE
CONSERVATION OF SPECIES AND HABITATS REGULATIONS 2017
Statutory Instruments
2017 No. 1012
Wildlife
Countryside
Made
30th October 2017
Laid before Parliament 31st October 2017
Laid before the National Assembly for Wales 31st October 2017
Coming into force 30th November 2017
The Secretary of State is
designated (1) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act
1972 (2) in relation to the environment, and the Welsh Ministers are
designated (3) for those purposes in relation to the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
The Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers make these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred on them by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 and paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 to that
Act (4), and by section 307 (3) and (5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
(5).
These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 and it appears to the Secretary of State and to the Welsh Ministers that it is expedient for any reference in these Regulations to an Annex to Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora (6) to be construed as a reference to that Annex as amended from time to time.
PART 1 Introductory and General Provisions
1. Citation and commencement
2. Extent
3. Interpretation
4. Plans or projects relating to offshore marine area or offshore marine installations
5. Nature conservation bodies
6. Relevant authorities in relation to marine areas and European marine sites
7. Competent authorities
8. European sites and European marine sites
9. Duties relating to compliance with the Directives
10. Duties in relation to wild bird habitat
11.
Review by appropriate nature conservation body
PART 2 Conservation of Natural Habitats and Habitats of Species
European sites
12. Selection of sites eligible for identification as of Community importance
13. Designation of special areas of conservation
14. Consultation as to inclusion of site omitted from the list
15. Classification of sites as special protection areas
16. Notification of a proposal to classify a special protection area
Register of European sites
17. Register of European sites
18. Notification of changes to the register
19. Notice to landowners and other bodies
Management agreements
20. Management agreements
21. Existing agreements
22. Certain payments under management agreements
Control of potentially damaging operations
23. Notification of potentially damaging operations
24. Assessment of implications for European sites
25. Sites of special scientific interest which become European sites: duty to review
26. Farm capital grants
Special nature conservation orders
27. Power to make special nature conservation order
28. Restriction on carrying out operations specified in order
29. Assessment of implications for European sites after service of stop notice
30. Compensation for effect of stop notice
31. Restoration orders
Byelaws
32. Power to make byelaws
33. Byelaws: supplementary provisions
34. Compensation for effect of byelaws
35. Continuation in force of existing byelaws
Powers of compulsory acquisition
36. Powers of compulsory acquisition
European marine sites
37. Marking of site and advice by nature conservation bodies
38. Management scheme for European marine site
39. Direction to establish or amend management scheme
40. European marine sites: byelaws and orders
Nature conservation policy in planning contexts
41. Nature conservation policy in planning contexts
PART 3 Protection of species
Protection of animals
42. European protected species of animals
43. Protection of certain wild animals: offences
44. Protection of certain wild animals: defences
45. Prohibition of certain methods of capturing or killing wild animals
Protection of plants
46. European protected species of plants
47. Protection of certain wild plants: offences
48. Protection of certain wild plants: defences
Interpretation of Part 3
49. Interpretation of Part 3
PART 4 Additional protection of habitats and wild animals and plants
Surveillance and monitoring
50. Surveillance of conservation status of habitats and species
51. Protection of certain animals and plants from exploitation
52. Monitoring of incidental capture and killing
53. Protection from incidental capture and killing
Introduction of new species
54. Introduction of new species from ships
PART 5 Licences
Grant of licences
55. Licences for certain activities relating to animals or plants
56. Licences for the introduction of new species
57. Licences: general provisions
Relevant licensing body
58. Relevant licensing body
Offences
59. False statements made for obtaining licence
60. Offence of breaching licence condition
PART 6 Assessment of plans and projects
CHAPTER 1 General provisions
Introductory provisions
61. Interpretation of Part 6
62. Application of provisions of Chapter 1
General provisions for protection of European sites and European offshore marine sites
63. Assessment of implications for European sites and European offshore marine sites
64. Considerations of overriding public interest
65. Review of existing decisions and consents
66. Consideration on review
67. Co-ordination where more than one competent authority involved
68. Compensatory measures
69. Modifications of regulations 63 to 68 in certain cases
CHAPTER 2 Planning
Planning permission
70. Grant of planning permission
71. Planning permission: duty to review
72. Planning permission: consideration on review
73. Planning permission: effect of orders made on review
74. Planning permission: compensation
General development orders
75. General development orders
76. General development orders: opinion of appropriate nature conservation body
77. General development orders: approval of local planning authority
78. General development orders: supplementary
Special development orders
79. Special development orders
Local development orders
80. Local development orders
Neighbourhood development orders
81. Neighbourhood development orders
Simplified planning zones and enterprise zones
82.Simplified planning zones
83. Enterprise zones
Development consent under Planning Act 2008
84. Grant of development consent
85. Development consent: review
Interpretation of Chapter 2
86. Interpretation of Chapter 2
CHAPTER 3 Highways and roads
87. Construction or improvement of highways or roads
88. Cycle tracks and other ancillary works
CHAPTER 4 Electricity
89. Consents under Electricity Act 1989: application of assessment and review provisions
90. Consents under Electricity Act 1989: procedure on review
91. Consents under Electricity Act 1989: effect of review
92. Consents under Electricity Act 1989: compensation
CHAPTER 5 Pipe-lines
93. Authorisations under Pipe-lines Act 1962: application of assessment and review provisions
94. Authorisations under Pipe-lines Act 1962: procedure on review
95. Authorisations under Pipe-lines Act 1962: effect of review
96. Authorisations under Pipe-lines Act 1962: compensation
CHAPTER 6 Transport and Works
97. Orders under Transport and Works Act 1992: application of assessment and review provisions
98. Orders under Transport and Works Act 1992: procedure on review
99. Orders under Transport and Works Act 1992: effect of review
100. Orders under Transport and Works Act 1992: compensation
CHAPTER 7 Environmental Controls
101.
Environmental permits
102. Abstraction and works authorised under water legislation
103. Marine works
104. Derogations in relation to nitrate pollution prevention legislation
CHAPTER 8 Land Use Plans
Land use plans
105. Assessment of implications for European sites and European offshore marine sites
106. Assessment of implications for European site: neighbourhood development plans
107. Considerations of overriding public interest
108. Co-ordination for land use plan prepared by more than one authority
109. Compensatory measures
Planning Act 2008
110. National policy statements
Interpretation of Chapter 8
111. Interpretation of Chapter 8
CHAPTER 9 MARINE POLICY STATEMENTS AND MARINE PLANS
112. Marine policy statement
113. Marine plan
PART 7 Enforcement
Wildlife inspectors
114. Wildlife inspectors
Powers of entry
115. Powers of entry: constables
116. Powers of entry: wildlife inspectors
117. Powers of entry: other authorised persons
Powers of search etc.
118. Constables’ powers of search, etc.
Powers in relation to specimens and samples
119. Powers in relation to samples: constables
120. Powers in relation to specimens and samples: wildlife inspectors
121. Restrictions on taking samples from live specimens
Offences
122. Attempts and possession of means of committing offence
123. Obstruction of persons exercising powers of entry under regulation 117
124. Obstruction in connection with constables’ powers to take samples
125. Offences in connection with wildlife inspectors’ enforcement powers
Codes of practice
126. Codes of practice
Miscellaneous
127. Advice and assistance from nature conservation bodies
128. Forfeiture
129. Proceedings for offences: venue and time limits
130. Offences by bodies corporate etc.
131. Application of criminal offences to the Crown
Interpretation of Part 7
132. Interpretation of Part 7
PART 8 Final Provisions
133. Powers of drainage authorities
134. Advisory role of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
135. Advisory role of Natural England, the Natural Resources Body for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage
136. Research
137. Local inquiries
138. Notices
139. Consequential Amendments
140. Revocations
141. Transitional provisions
142. Review: England
Signature
SCHEDULE 1 Special Nature Conservation Orders: Procedure
SCHEDULE 2 European Protected Species of animals
SCHEDULE 3 Excluded populations of certain species
SCHEDULE 4 Animals which may not be captured or killed in certain ways.
SCHEDULE 5 European Protected Species of plants
SCHEDULE 6 Consequential Amendments
SCHEDULE 7 Revocations
Explanatory Note
PERCENTAGE
OF CONSERVATION AREAS IN ENGLAND
As of 2019, 2.2% of England making up 2,938 km2 (1,134 sq mi) is a conservation area, 59% of which are rural, and 41% are in urban areas.
The current legislation in England and Wales, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (sections 69 and 70), defines the quality of a conservation area as being: "the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".
TYPES
Conservation areas can be found across a wide a range of urban and rural UK locations. For example, in the historic centres of town and cities such as Alexandra Palace and Park; model housing estates; historic mining,
fishing and transport areas e.g. Crosby Garrett; and rural villages such as Osmotherley.
It is the role of the listed building process to protect individual buildings, and it is common for many listed buildings to also be located within designated conservation areas where those individual buildings make a contribution to the special architectural or historic character of the area.
Current Government planning policy on conservation areas is laid down (for England) mainly in section 12 'Conserving and enhancing the historic environment' of the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and (for Wales) in Welsh Office Circular 61/96 – Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas.
There are additional planning controls over certain works carried out within the conservation area. For example, demolition within conservation areas requires consent. The designation does not preclude development from taking place, but does require that developments preserve or enhance the historic character of the area, for example by ensuring that newly constructed buildings are of a high quality design. Conservation area status also removes some permitted development rights that apply in undesignated areas.
In England, conservation area consent was abolished by the ERR Act (1) and replaced with a requirement for planning permission for demolition of a building in a conservation area (1). In Wales, the requirement for conservation area consent remains. The circumstances in which such planning permission is required and the consequences of failing to apply for it when it is needed are the same as applied to conservation area consent.

Who
has ever heard of a Bakery with electric machinery when horse drawn
deliveries were the norm? Herstmonceux had electricity well before most
large towns, because of Major Charles de Roemer, who also manufactured
seaplanes for the British Admiralty (Royal Navy) in Eastbourne, from
1911 to 1924. Lime Park had the benefit of a stables, coach house and
forge for a farrier. A farrier is a specialised blacksmith who makes
shoes for horses, out of wrought iron or steel.
DESIGNATION
Local authorities are chiefly responsible for designating conservation areas. They can designate any area of 'special architectural or historic interest' whose character or appearance is worth protecting or enhancing. Local and regional criteria are used, rather than any national standard. In exceptional circumstances, Historic England can designate conservation areas in
London, but it has to consult the relevant Borough Council and obtain the consent of the
Secretary of State for
Culture Media and
Sport. The Secretary of State can also designate in exceptional circumstances – usually where the area is of more than local interest.
Local authorities have additional powers under planning legislation to control changes to buildings in a conservation area that might usually be allowed without planning permission in other locations, for example changing the appearance of windows, adding external cladding or putting up satellite dishes.
Large conservation areas are sometimes subdivided into identity areas, which cover groups of buildings and features having similar character and appearance.
Enforcement of conservation areas varies, dependent on the resources and priorities of the local authority, and many fail to meet expectations. A conservation area may have a conservation area advisory committee, a non-elected body of people, some of whom may be expert, who are concerned about the conservation in the particular area. Historic England maintains an "at risk" register which includes conservation areas.
KING
CHARLES - PRO CONSERVATION & RENEWABLES
PETITION TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CONSERVATION AREA DESIGNATION
To the Right Honourable [Secretary of State's Name]
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition for the designation of Lime Park, Herstmonceux, and the adjacent field(s), as Conservation Areas.
Lime Park, with its historic manor house, converted stables, and early electricity generating
station, represents a unique and valuable heritage asset. The estate's rich history, coupled with its contribution to technological advancements, makes it a site of significant cultural, scientific and historical importance.
The designation of a Conservation Area would provide essential protection for
Lime Park and its surrounding environment. It would help to preserve the character and appearance of the area, ensuring that its unique qualities are maintained for future generations.
We believe that the designation of Lime Park Estate and the adjacent field as a Conservation Area would help to protect these important historic and natural assets. By preserving the character and appearance of the area, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from its unique qualities.
Key reasons for Conservation Area designation include:
Historical Significance: The early electricity generating station at Lime Park played a pioneering role in the development of electrical power. Its presence contributes to the area's historical and technological heritage.
Architectural Interest: The manor house and converted stables offer examples of architectural styles that reflect the history and evolution of the
estate and the transition from horses and carriages, to mechanically
propelled vehicles.
Environmental Value: The adjacent field, despite approved planning consent for housing development, is undergoing a successful rewilding process. This contributes to the area's biodiversity and ecological value.
Tourism Potential: The designation of Lime Park as a Conservation Area and/or
UNESCO
World Heritage Site would significantly enhance its tourism appeal. Visitors could explore the historic estate, learn about its technological innovations, and experience the unique character of the area. This would boost the local economy and create jobs.
By designating Lime Park as a Conservation Area, we can safeguard its unique character, promote sustainable development, and ensure that this valuable heritage asset remains a cherished part of our community.
We urge you to consider our petition and take the necessary steps to protect Lime Park and its surrounding environment.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
[Signatures of Supporting Individuals and Organizations]
Our
water is drawn fresh from the only working
(fully functional) well in Herstmonceux village. We
are planting and growing trees from acorns on site.
We
hope that these guiding principles as to restorative rewilding, coupled
with our technological exhibits might inspire generations of young
scientists, and conservationists to think outside the box.

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