CABINET 2025 MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT MPs SIR KEIR STARMER'S LABOUR MINISTERS AND SECRETARY SECRETARIES OF STATE GOVERNMENT UNITED KINGDOM

The Conservative house building boom has been continued by the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, with some slight variations in direction, more toward affordable homes. Hurrah! But, there is a marked lack of policy change as to recurring potholes in over-developed regions, and little improvement in the transport infrastructure to support the proposed new homes in a little village in East Sussex. In one case detailed below, passed by a Conservative council, with support from a Conservative government, even though James Brokenshire was invited to call in the proposed application in 2015, as being totally contrary to local and national policies, but has since been increased in number from 70 to 140 additional houses - also under the previous Conservative council.

The concern is that the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) that is supposed to go toward improving the local amenity, will be, or maybe even, has already been squandered by the local authority on Pension plans, or other investments, robbing and detracting from the human rights of this particular village, as being less important than other areas, in discrimination of the right to peaceful enjoyment of property, of those living in and around the village.

Whereas, there are literally hundreds of other potential sites that are far more suitable, if national planning policy is to be discarded (as was in this case) in any event. And that being the case why overload villages that do not and cannot possibly benefit from infrastructure improvements, the roads being too narrow, where there are other far more suitable locations that are better served by roads that may be improved, or that are already served by dual carriageways, etc.

Put simply, the planners in this council do not appear to know very much about sustainable development, but rather just looked to infill in villages, without taking in the bigger picture. In some case feathering the nests of certain landowners,, in this case Tim Watson, who it appears may have had connections with Area Plans committee members, that were un-declared. Such impropriety undoing any grant of permission, so obtained.

But all of this background does not detract and should not draw fire from the underlying potential to destroy the habitat of a protected species.

Sir Keir Starmer

Lord Richard Hermer KC

FAO: The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP (Deputy Prime Minister)
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

FAO: The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP
Secretary of State Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA.

SW1P 4DF

Re: Urgent Action Required to Protect Wildlife and Natural Habitat from Housing Development: WD/2024/2257/MAJ

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to draw your urgent attention to a pressing conservation issue in Lime Park, Herstmonceux, where housing development company's are planning to divert the natural surface water supply from two mature ponds that are critical habitats for several species, including the legally protected Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) and common toads (Bufo bufo).

The proposed development would redirect all rainfall from the adjacent fields at Lime Cross, away from these ponds, risking the drying up of these vital aquatic ecosystems. As you are aware, Great Crested Newts are listed as a Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The disruption of their habitat, especially in light of ongoing climate change-induced water level drops, poses a severe threat to their survival.

Key Arguments for Conservation:

Legal Protections: The Great Crested Newt is protected under both UK and European legislation, making it illegal to disturb, harm, or destroy their habitats. Any action that jeopardizes their habitat would be in direct violation of these laws.

Ecological Importance: These ponds support a rich diversity of wildlife, including ducks, moorhens, and various amphibians, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem. The loss of these ponds would have a cascading negative impact on biodiversity.

Climate Change Considerations: With climate change already affecting water levels, it is imperative to conserve natural water bodies that serve as crucial habitats for wildlife. Disrupting these ecosystems would exacerbate the negative effects of climate change on local biodiversity.

Sustainable Development: While development is essential, it must be balanced with environmental conservation. There are sustainable alternatives that can be explored to ensure the protection of these habitats while meeting development needs.

Given the above points, I urge you to intervene and recover the planning application submitted by the housing development company. It is essential that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be conducted to fully understand the consequences of this project on the local wildlife and habitats. Additionally, alternative solutions that do not harm these vital ecosystems should be considered. Such as alternative sites for genuinely affordable house building, including the field at Lime End Farm, that the surface water from Lime Cross, it is proposed should be diverted towards, together with a Bypass, so as not to exacerbate the pothole situation in the Village of Herstmonceux, any further. And so avoiding use of the proposed junction near a brow of a hill on the A271.

Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated by the local community and conservationists who are committed to protecting our natural heritage. I am confident that with your support, we can find a balanced solution that upholds our environmental responsibilities while supporting sustainable development.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,