I wish to register my total opposition to the siting of a wind farm near to Upper Wilting Farm. I live in Crowhurst and feel besieged by planning applications and developments. The Link Road supported by HBC, the sale of land on the Queensway to create more development, the empty industrial units on the Queensway, the gypsy site which everyone expects to be expanded on to the area currently occupied by the caravans and site offices of the Link Road builders. If ever an area is affected by cumulative development it is Crowhurst and Upper Wilting.

In November last year Mr Pickles, the Local Government Minister, said: We are making sure local people have a crystal clear voice in airing their opinions on wind turbines very early on. From day 1, communities should be centre stage in crafting plans that affect their lives instead of having them forced upon them." Following that, in December 2013, Section 122 Localism Act 2011 came into force. This introduces a duty to consult with the local community before making a planning application for wind turbine developments that involve the installation of more than two turbines. These new provisions are incorporated into section 61 Town and Country Planning Act 1990. There is a requirement to bring the proposed application to the attention of the majority of persons who live at, or otherwise occupy, premises in the vicinity of the land to be developed. It is also required to give such information about the proposed timetable for the consultation as is sufficient to ensure that anyone wishing to comment, may do so in good time." I don't remember being consulted and I live in the affected area whereas 99% of those living within the boundary of the Borough Council do not.


In 'Planning Practice guidance for renewable and low carbon energy' mention is made of areas where there is a cumulative impact. I would be interested to know what action has been taken in regard to this.

It makes a nonsense of the creation of a wetland area and countrywide park when that same area is to have the constant whine of the link road traffic and the same accompanying of wind turbines.

Crowhurst is the gateway to the countryside for many people living in Hastings. It is an area that is an informal recreation and play area for the town, yet HBC seems to be intent on destroying the area with speculative development.