Ecclesbourne Glen and Rocklands Caravan Park

[chdb3514]

A few weeks back as the weather improved I was inspired to go for a walk in the Country Park from the East Hill to Fairlight. I was very shocked to see that there has been a new building built at Rocklands which mars the views from the East Hill. Walking down to Ecclesbourne Glen I discovered that the footpaths are closed due to a large landslip. Having got across to the other side of Ecclesbourne Glen on the cliffs to the east I was very shocked by the views westdwards. I have since done some research into what is going on at Rocklands and Ecclesbourne Glen.

The once unspoilt Ecclesbourne Glen has been ruined by developments at the Rocklands caravan park which sits at a prominent position in the Glen. Since 2009 all the trees and vegetation that used to shield the caravan parkfrom view have been destroyed. Car parks and roads have been built which can be viewed from Ecclesbourne Glen. New caravans have been installed and all trees removed to allow the caravan site residents sea views. No planning permissions were sought for any of these developments. The removal of trees , landscaping and installation of extra caravans were not allowed under the terms of previous planning conditions. Hastings Borough Council have to date done nothing to stop these developments.

A new 2 story building is being built, this building dominates the views from the East Hill and Ecclesbourne Glen. Many local people cannot understand how such a development was allowed in such a sensitive area. A previous near identical application was rejected on the 19/07/2012 on the grounds that it would be detrimental to this part of the High Weald AONB and contrary to local development policies.

There has been a large landslip in the glen. The source of this landslip lies just below where substantial developments have been made in the Rocklands caravan park. Many local people believe that this landslip was caused by the building works in the caravan park. Hastings Borough Council have commissioned an investigation into the causes of the landslip.

Uncontrolled commercial developments have destroyed what once was one of the most beautiful spots in the South East. This is a scandal and will surely impact on tourism in the area.

[Anonymous1]

I've been keeping up with this story and it is quite shocking what has been allowed to happen. Rocklands are now in the process of applying for retrospective planning permission for stuff that's already built Including alterations to this monstrosity



This now overlooks Ecclesbourne Glen. Many of the bushes and trees that once screened this development from view have now disappeared and the owners now boast (on Tripadvisor) fine sea views. The removal of trees on this site was expressly forbidden by previous planning constraints. It is generally accepted that trees and bushes are vital for the stability of the land in that area. As many of you know, Ecclesbourne Glen is now closed due to a landslip.

If you object to this development please visit Hastings Planning departments online viewing page and make your comments. Type Rocklands into the search box. Application ref HS/FA/14/00406 :

http://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/onl ... lications/

[Richard]

This is the first one on the list when you type in "Rocklands"

HS/FA/14/00406 | Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission HS/FA/12/00952 - Minor amendment showing change of ground floor plan, additional & altered window positions, & extended balcony. (Retrospective) | Rocklands Private Caravan Park, Rocklands Lane, Hastings, TN35 5DY

It looks as if this is a minor variation on a prior, approved, planning permission :
HS/FA/12/009532
"Proposed demolition of current holiday let and replacement of a new holiday let."

[Anonymous1]

Here's the full story Richard, it's quite a long one. Worth a read if your concerned about the recent damage Ecclesbourne Glen.

https://word.office.live.com/wv/WordVie ... pments.doc

[Richard]

G.K. thanks, it makes for sad reading.
It seems that there are clear rules about trees and planning developments and, presumably, consequent damage to the coast, which can then be ignored unless someone makes a big fuss and the council will play its own games and be obstructive and in denial at every opportunity.
It is probably a matter of the council trying to get away with its irresponsible attitude to such developments and damage but there must be who is the body responsible for granting SSI status and etcetera?
Could we not appeal to a higher authority?


"Lying within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, most of the park has been designated a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a designated Local Nature Reserve”

Which body could challenge the council to stop damaging such an important area ?

[Gerry Glyde]

Possibly the Environment Agency or some part of central government. It is DEFRA.

[Anonymous1]

A good article from the Hastings online times:

http://hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/hot-to ... velopments


Get your objections in now.

[Richard]

Some considerations:

1. The Council (Hastings), from what I understand, owns the land - therefore they have a duty of care and not a right to benefit (as they will, I think).
2. The long-term implications are ignored (such as land erosion after the recent documented events of denudation of vegetation, including tree-felling).
3. All planning applications have an uncanny ability to be approved after minor alterations to the original (declined) plans.
4. Are there any restrictions upon development, example, what restrictions were legally set in place at the time Hastings Council obtained the land from its previous owner(s)?
5. Can the land (in future at least) be designated as a place that denies the Council permission to grant whatever planning permission it sees fit?

[Richard]

http://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/onl ... APR_101529

Choose the top search item

make a public comment via tab 2.

There are 283 comments

I haven't seen one good comment - they all point to an "eyesore" and etcetera.

June 5th is the last date available to make comments.

What are the best ways (by objection) to make the council sit up and take notice ?

[Anonymous1]

Amber Rudd has been quoted as saying that Hastings council will be making a statement on the issue some time today. The guy who has organised the save Ecclesbourne Glen facebook page has a meeting with the council tomorrow.

If the planning application is turned down the applicant has the right of appeal. If the application is granted the objectors have no right of appeal..... the next step for the objectors could then be the government ombudsman.