A Rapid Introduction to SANGS
Martin Ellis
Local Headhunter
Member of the Crowborough Chamber
SANGS
(Suitable, Accessible, Natural, Green Spaces)
• A 7km restriction zone imposed by WDC from Ashdown Forest
1
To reduce additional recreational pressure on The Forest
2
To reduce nitrogen disposition on The Forest
SANGS
(Suitable, Accesible, Natural, Green Spaces)
• A 7km restriction zone imposed by WDC from Ashdown Forest
• Defined by use, access, facilities and size
• Extra restriction to the Core Strategy
• Further protect wildlife and environment
• Prevent increase in Nitrogen levels – protect eco-balance
• Forest has 1.35m visitors p.a. – Most to walk their dogs
• More traffic passes through and past without stopping
• Paid for by levy on developers – including windfall developments
• Must be more attractive than the Forest to stimulate use
SANGS
Wildlife
Dartford Warbler
• 2.1% of the UK population
Nightjar
• 1.1% of the UK population
• Both populations are on the increase
SANGS
Consequences:
• Every new planning app to be assessed in 7km – and beyond?
• Future Employment – e.g. Meat Packer abandoned Crowborough
• Existing Employment – e.g. Companies relocating to limits on growth
• Jobs move out of the area – workers drive further (WDC to Hailsham!)
• Housing development slows and prices increase – hits young buyers
• Restrictions of Change of Use back to residential will hit the High St
• Local building companies will close
• No policy on tourism
SANGS
Issues:
• Why 7kms? Originally 4kms
• SANGS will have no impact on passing traffic
• How will SANGS be more ‘attractive’ to users?
• No account taken of aircraft stacking over the Forest
• Prevailing winds from the South West
• Driving business out of the 7km zone will increase traffic
• Huge administrative burden – Expensive and value-reducing
• Why give retailers on the forest grants to attract more business?
• Why promote the Forest as a destination?
SANGS
Nitrogen:
Sources of Nitrogen: TRAFFIC
• Highest in urban area 55%
• Usually about 30%
• In rural settings: Agriculture is highest
SANGS
Alternatives:
• Educate the population
PLEASE NOTE:
I don’t think these are all good
ideas
• Limit access across the Forest – Tolls? Limit Parking?
• Promote the Wealden for ALL it’s walks – “Take a Walk on the Wealden”
• Limit access to cars – “Odds and Evens”
• Close the Forest – “Regeneration Days”
• Don’t allow any commercial activity on the Forest.
SANGS
Other Considerations:
• The 3rd Industrial Revolution is coming
“It will be bigger than the steam engine, the internet and Henry Ford’s production
line”
• Car use is in decline in all developing economies
• Vehicle emissions are improving
Will Wealden Be
“Open for business?”
In the Future?