PRESS RELEASE 28TH OCTOBER 2005
'The development site is an integral part of a continuos sweep of high quality open downland. It has a genuine rural character that can be seen from many vantage points. These views will be spoilt'.
'The South Downs are nationally recognised for the exceptional beauty of their landscape. It is anticipated the area will soon be designated the South Downs National Park and the stadium will be on its boundary. It is utterly bizarre that John Prescott has decided to allow a football stadium desecrate this national treasure'.
The Inspector, who conducted the public inquiry, recommended refusal because he found overwhelming planning objections to the proposed development at Falmer.
The Inspector dealing with the Brighton and Hove Local Plan reached similar conclusions.
'The Society does not accept that the needs of a Football Club outweigh the damage the stadium will undoubtedly cause to the natural beauty and amenities of this part of the Downs. John Prescott has recognised that the needs of the Football Club are not a matter of national concern. Nevertheless he has decided that the local need for a stadium, together with the economic and social benefits claimed for it, are more important than the conservation of the Downs. We do not agree.
The Downs at Falmer are especially narrow and vunerable. If they are steadlily eroded by development, the outstanding beauty of the downsland landscape will soon be lost for ever'.
We still believe that there are more suitable and less damaging sites for a football stadium, if only the will existed to develop them. The Society has particularly advocated the eastern end of Shoreham Harbour where there is a large underdeveloped and underused site. A stadium there could be the catalyst for regenerating the whole of this run down area, bringing benefits to the City as well as the Club.
'If the construction of the stadium proceeds, the Society will do all it can to ensure that the promises made at the Inquiry by the Club to minimise the harm are fulled honoured' says Graham Fuller. 'That will mean rigorously and vigorously monitoring every undertaking and condition of the planning permission. We shall also strongly oppose any additional development in this area that would further eat into unspoiled downland or further urbanise the setting of Falmer Village'. END
Contact Graham Fuller 01323 491077