South Downs Countryside to be covered in Concrete
The South Downs Society today (24 July 2007) reacted with incredulity at the decision by Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to allow the building of a 22,000-seater sports stadium in the South Downs.
She gave approval for the stadium, its access roads, and associated development to be built close to the village of Falmer and within the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
John Songhurst, Chairman of the South Downs Society said: “We are deeply shocked by this decision. The stadium will be a monstrous blight on this area of virgin downland. This massive structure will not only visually destroy the downland scenery, but will have a major negative environmental impact in terms of vehicle, noise and light pollution.”
He continued: “This is an example of government cynicism towards the supposedly 'protected' landscapes of our precious Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and other legally-protected landscapes. How can this crass concrete carbuncle on the face of our beautiful Downland be justified 'in the national interest'?”
The South Downs Society has campaigned against the stadium since it was first proposed in 2001. The Society appeared at two public inquiries, both of which found against the proposal. Later, after John Prescott had granted planning permission for the proposed stadium in 2005 the Society, together with Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish Council, succeeded in getting the decision overturned in the High Court.
The national importance of the landscape of the South Downs has been recognised by their designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the more recent proposal to create a South Downs National Park. The planning system gives a very high priority to the conservation of the natural beauty of such an area. If the Downs are built on, they cannot be replaced.
“The decision to build this stadium is completely wrong” said Jacquetta Fewster, Director of the South Downs Society. “The countryside in this part of the South-East is so special it has been included within the boundary of the proposed national park, including much of the stadium site. The area has been described as ‘the most beautiful of all the English chalk country’. This decision opens the way for this beautiful landscape to be destroyed, entombed under breeze block and concrete.”
She continued: “The South Downs Society will campaign vigorously against any other scheme that would involve the expansion of an urban area like Brighton into this precious landscape.”