www.cpresussex.org.uk SUSSEX coverREVIEW summer 2013

News from the Sussex branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England

Brighton Marathon Madeleine Voice raises £1000 for CPRE Sussex! Futureproofing MP’s follow up Sussex fields up for grabs What it means for your countryside if a local plan is not in place The National Park Authority A strong guardian for the South Downs? 1 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 www.cpresussex.org.ukwww.cpresussex.org.uk

Contents UPDATE President DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Update ...... 3 Lord Egremont Adur & Worthing: “The times they are a-changing” Futureproofing ...... 4 Vice Presidents David Start The trouble with writing my report is that, given the time-lag for Bexhill Link Road ...... 6 Margaret Moore 01903 232585 Gerald Summerfield [email protected] publication it’s out of date by the time you read it! The Big Picture ...... 8 That’s why we’re increasingly using our website, Twitter and Membership: for information and Ravilious, CPRE Arun Facebook, and running a Blog. The news gets round much quicker application forms please contact Martin Beaton and the South Downs ...... 10 and builds support for campaigns. Lesley Wilson at the office or join 01243 543475 Annual Report 2013 ...... 12 Mind you there’s no substitute for people on the ground. Most of on line at www.cpresussex.org.uk [email protected] Sussex is without an up to date Local Plan, leaving the countryside Cool, Green & Cheap ...... 15 Brighton & Hove CPRE Sussex Countryside Trust desperately vulnerable. We need more members to scrutinise and Invitation Brownings Farm, Stuart Derwent to our 40th AGM ...... 16 influence Local Plans. Please consider being the ‘eyes and ears’ of Blackboys, 01273 555151 [email protected] Sussex, there’s plenty of support available. Uckfield, The Branch is changing. Liz Beeney our Senior Office Administrator Chichester , TN22 5HG retired in February after 17 years of dedicated service. Lesley Wilson registered charity number 265028 Richard Hill 01243 641514 is now covering the role, we hope you’ll get to meet her at the AGM. Phone: 01825 890975 [email protected] You’ll see from the AGM papers that we’re changing our legal charity e-mail: [email protected] status and bringing in a new Constitution. We’re also reviewing our Horsham & Crawley visit us at www.cpresussex.org.uk budget and structure to make us more effective. Finally a number of Dr Roger Smith The office is currently open four [email protected] trustees will be stepping down at the AGM and I will not continue as mornings a week, closed on Chairman – a job I have enjoyed very much. We’re actively looking for Lewes new recruits. Thursdays. Gerald Summerfield Staff: 01273 305416 Rodney Chambers Branch Director: [email protected] Chairman Georgia Wrighton Mid Sussex Branch Administrator: Michael Brown Lesley Wilson 01342 300653 It’s been a tremendously energetic and exciting few months since Madeleine Voice the (Wednesday & Friday, [email protected] the last Review. We’re looking to the future, updating our strategy goddaughter of Nic and Andrea 9:30 – 3:00) Rother & and involving many past and present volunteers, Trustees and staff Packwood ran her first Brighton Administration and Accounts: Stephen Hardy in the process. In the next Review we’ll be able to report on the key Marathon in April in memory of Sas Drury (Monday, Tuesday, 01580 881309 decisions that will allow us to look forward to a robust and resilient her godfather Nic Packwood – a Wednesday 9:30 – 12:30) [email protected] campaigning future. great supporter of CPRE Sussex. In March we held an exciting conference ‘Futureproofing’ to tie She completed the course in 4 Bankers: Wealden SOUTH John Hurwood in with the anniversary of the National Planning Policy Framework hours and 37 minutes and raised Santander, 01323 870020 and the CPRE report ‘Countryside promises: Planning realities’. The over £1000 for the charity. Bootle, Liverpool, [email protected] We are all thrilled at her success. Merseyside, L30 4GB report is a worrying indicator of what’s to come in an era where unless Councils have up to date Local Plans in place, national policy weights Front cover: Madeleine Voice and CAF Bank Ltd, Wealden North Andrea Packwood. Photographs: PO Box 289, Lesley Wilson decisions in favour of development. Please see our article on page 4 [email protected] Colin Leeves Kings Hill, West Malling, to find out more. Kent, ME19 4TA Design & Production Finally, a massive thank you to Madeleine Voice who ran the Published by CPRE Sussex Emily Wilkinson Brighton Marathon for us in April (featured on the front cover). Countryside Trust, the Sussex Independent Examiner [email protected] Madeleine ran in memory of her beloved godfather, Nic Packwood, branch of the Campaign to Mr C.R.Tyler FCA DChA 07801 453 9453 who died last year. Nic was a passionate supporter and volunteer for Clark Brownscombe Ltd. Protect Rural England. The CPRE Sussex for many years. His strapline “We have to protect it, or 8 The drive, Hove, Print: One Digital 01273 887575 opinions expressed in the Review lose it!” are words we’ll never forget. are those of the individual East Sussex, BN3 3JT Photograph Credits: Georgia Wrighton contributors and do not reflect David Rees Davies, pages 3 and 7 Director those of the branch. Colin Leeves, pages 2 and 5 2 3 CPRECPRE Sussex Sussex Review Review Summer Summer 2013 2013 www.cpresussex.org.uk futureproofing Georgia Wrighton

The CPRE Sussex The Conference heralded the start of a dangerous era for Sussex. It marked the end of a one year period for Councils to get Local Plans Spring Conference in place ‘or else’, before the government’s ‘presumption in favour of ‘Futureproofing’ saw sustainable development’ means that applications will be approved unless the disadvantages outweigh the advantages dictated in the new Shoreham Ropetackle government planning policy, the National Planning Policy Framework. Caption here caption here caption here caption here Arts Centre filled with The Conference coincided with the national CPRE report ‘Countryside Promises: Planning Realities’ which shows that one year on, the NPPF more than 90 people has allowed communities to be overruled time and time again, allowing all fearful of the effects damaging development to sprawl across precious countryside. of government policy Only one Council in the County has an up to date Local Plan in place, . This means that most of Sussex is up for grabs unless on the future of the we stand together to insist that only the right development, in the right countryside. place gets planning approval. allowed for local authorities to get We’ve called for the reinstatement Proposals in the Bill also give CPRE was founded in the 1920s, campaigning for a rural planning Plans in place before government of the ‘brownfield first’ policy so developers the option of having system when the argument was already being won for better planning policy leaves the gate open for that greenfield land is the last their major housing developments in towns. Housing and other development was springing all over a damaging development. Local resort instead of the easy win. decided by central government countryside with no controls. Landowners advertised their plots for Plans take up to 3 years to produce We want to see land banking if Councils are declared ‘poor unregulated housing development proclaiming ‘Why not build your under proper democratic process. recognised. Developers riding out performing’. Government may own house here?’ Buildings were ill designed and often comprised of old It’s just common sense that the 12 the recession by holding onto decide to ‘fast track’ damaging railway carriages and pre-fabricated sheds. months allowed isn’t enough . land means that local authorities major business and commercial CPRE Sussex is not anti-development. We want can’t count it towards the 5 year developments, pushing out local We want to see the supply of housing it must prove decision making. to see well planned development the community long-dead promises is immediately available. We’ve I think the message is clear. It’s needs in a way that involves local people and of community control called on the government to allow the job of us all to make sure that this land to be counted as land people and the environment come ensures high quality and good design. revived and local deliverable in the medium and first in planning for Sussex, that’s But we do not want to see a backwards slide into ‘have a go’ authorities supported to longer term. why we’re here isn’t it? development, allowed only because it purports to bring short term The Growth and Infrastructure economic returns instead of long term, sustainable growth. produce their housing Bill going through Parliament A major local battleground is the continuing insistence by numbers locally. We won’t make it any easier to put government planning inspectors on the use of top-down regional housing want to see communities housing need at the heart of figures, despite the abolition of the South East Plan. Communities planning for Sussex. It fast tracks in Sussex want to see housing figures produced for their local area, and neighbourhoods developers’ ability to cut out or involving people in deciding need and demand, not outdated figures at the heart of the reduce the affordable housing applying to sub-regional areas not relevant to the locality. We’re also planning process so they provide if they can make a concerned that local authorities rushing to get their Plans in place and case on grounds of viability. Whilst in fear of top down figures being foisted upon them, are less inclined that a Neighbourhood public spending on affordable CPRE National Office archive towards involving communities working on Neighbourhood Plans and community-led housing is reduced, who is going or seeking to influence major development. The ‘Duty to Cooperate’ approach is possible. to fill the gap? If the local Council intended for local authorities to ‘share’ their development pressures, don’t agree, developers can take seems far from effective and lacks teeth. We want to see the right their case to central government So what are we doing about all this? We’ve written to all Sussex MPs, infrastructure planned in with the likelihood of a more Planning Minister Nick Boles and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles sympathetic ear. asking for key changes. We want to see an extension to the ‘grace’ period tandem. Nick Herbert MP, Arundel & South Downs 4 5 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 www.cpresussex.org.uk Bexhill Link Road The Latest Jan Goodey

As the £100m plus Bexhill Bypass sightings of rare birds. Also how The planned 5.6km In a separate action Protestors are preparing for the next phase of direct action now the comes a step closer, the road the holding ponds for the road will single carriageway Defenders arrived at the Department road has been bludgeoned through by George Osborne despite Dept builders and East Sussex County disrupt valley habitats.” for Transport (DfT) on April 8 and 9 of Transport misgivings, now public following campaigners’ protracted Council (ESCC) face further delays Michael Bernard of BLINKRR would cut a swathe to peacefully search for, copy and yet successful Freedom of Information requests. Stalls and leafleting as campaigners gear up for a further added: “The council have put up bird through Combe Haven distribute documents on the Bexhill have been commonplace in Bexhill and Hastings along with route round of protests. boxes for barn owls, but that’s been Link Road recommendations – the walks in the valley. ‘first and the worst’ of over 190 new To date there have been four it. In the meantime 1,000-year-old Valley, one of the most Meanwhile East Sussex County Council (ESCC) without hedges are being destroyed.” road projects. Campaigners were anti-road protest camps along the controversial leader Peter Jones has applied to itself (as the planning BLINKRR appeared in the High treasured and tranquil claiming a ‘significant victory’ after route, the last main one, Camp authority) to make a ‘non-material amendments’ (NMAs) to the Decoy, evicted after protracted Court on April 11 for an injunction stretches of wetlands the DfT subsequently agreed to preliminary hearing to stop the release recommendations about road: cutting out pedestrian/cyclist/horse-rider bridges, diverting resistance high up in the 100ft trees and reed bed systems the greenway, eliminating a bus lane, and reducing the width of for two days at the end of January. forthcoming road works on the whether or not public money should verges and flood storage. And all this hardly non-material to the Clearance work initially took grounds that they will damage in the south east. be used to fund the road. Gabriel red and amber list bird populations that will be decimated from campaigners by surprise as it was the ‘1066 battle site’ and that the Carlyle, Combe Haven Defenders scheduled to start in January but council doesn’t have the planning a forthcoming question to the spokesman said, “…the DfT’s own the valley west of Adams Farm through to the Filsham Reedbed began a month earlier. With the permission. parliamentary select committee civil servants suggested that - Yellowhammers, Lapwing, Linnet, Skylark, Song Thrush, Turtle majority of trees on the route now ESCC states that the current on sport and culture in a bid to the Department should consider Doves Bullfinch, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush, Reed Bunting, Stock Dove destroyed (around 600) the work clearances are ‘non-material’ which save the valley and landing site/ cancelling the project and were Whitethroat and Water Pipits. has had to stop for nesting season: is disputed by BLINKRR which encampment/battlefield, as they see highly critical of the exaggerated Objections can still be made. March 1 to August 31. believes that flood arrangements, it. picture of the Road’s merits put Latest planning documents show just how devastating the land- forward by East Sussex County The planned 5.6km single tree and hedge destruction, and A recent setback has seen take of road will be with ‘haul road, temporary water crossings bridge re-workings are ‘material’ English Heritage (EH) turn down Council.” They believe George carriageway would cut a swathe and compound locations’. This translates as: 6m wide ‘haul roads’; matters. the arguments put forward that the Osborne and the Treasury overruled through Combe Haven Valley, one temporary bridges; compounds; and huge areas for topsoil storage, of the most treasured and tranquil BLINKRR also argues that the Battle of Hastings was in Combe Norman Baker MP at the DfT and ESCC haven’t given an adequate Haven and not near Battle. EH recommended the road go ahead giving the lie to ESCC’s much vaunted two-lane road, largely utilising stretches of wetlands and reed bed old railway cuttings. systems in the south east. run-down of the valley’s rare birds. claims it is on this land they own despite DfT misgivings. Said cuttings near Sidley figure large in a letter sent recently to As well as the direct action there (Birds and their nests are protected near Battle and that the BLINKRR Former Council leader Peter the Bexhill Observer from 12-year-old resident, Taliesin Bourne: are allied campaigns from the Bexhill at all times under the Wildlife & argument is based on ‘supposition’; Jones, claimed that the road “will Link Road Resistance (BLINKRR), Countryside Act 1981. If you believe a claim disputed by Dave Howley: make it possible to build 1,200- “I am very sad that it is cutting the Hastings Alliance, Combe Haven that a bird’s nest is being damaged “We’re going to be asking a 2,000 new homes plus a business Defenders and Crowhurst Villagers’ by tree/hedge work then call a parliamentary committee and park of 50,000 sq metres and more through our beautiful landscape archaeological group to have a look than 3,000 new jobs and economic Group. Wildlife Crime Officer on the non- which we are meant to be saving. Dave Howley of the Crowhurst emergency number 101.) at this. The EH panel of experts is benefits valued at £1bn”. Villagers said: “We have lobbying, As well as the sought after supposed to be independent but we It is one of my favourite walks.” letter writing and an ecology group injunction, BLINKRR has sponsored don’t believe it is.” which looks at bats and other

6 7 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 www.cpresussex.org.uk

Area of Outstanding natural Beauty – AONB south downs national park The Big Picture at risk of development urban areas Help to protect your area! flood risk CPRE success Please look out for new development proposals and keep us in the picture. Work in progress - Site of special scientific interest – SSSI we also need up-to-date local information to build and keep live, interactive maps for our website. Lindfield Something we hope will prove a useful tool for all. 184 homes in course of construction and Please send information to [email protected] and copy in your local representative. permission recommended For individual district reports please go to the website at: www.cpresussex.org.uk and follow the links. for a further 230 home Wates development. Heathfield Up to 90,000 new homes over the next 16 years in the pipeline. [NB The 230 Wates homes 115 houses in AONB, are part of the 12,702] East Grinstead Clay Hill Reservoir application in part of the Although the South East Plan 1000 homes in the proposed by South proposed “strategic site” Balcombe pipeline or proposed, East Water’s WRMP09, for 160 houses struck out has been revoked and its housing Gatwick ‘Fracking’ shale gas despite nearby European criticised by inspector of draft Wealden Local threat of 2nd runway targets abolished the Planning test drilling site protected sites on after opposition by, inter Plan by inspector after Inspectorate insists that the Ashdown Forest. alia, CPRE Sussex dropped opposition by CPRE Sussex from draft WRMP14 (pub at the examination

targets still stand where Councils Billingshurst Southwater May 2013). do not have an up-to-date local 550 homes, rejected 500 homes, application in appeal on hold X Wealden countryside plan. 46 homes on countryside Land Raising sites in Waste The Planning Inspectorate E of Daux Ave Crawley X & Mineral Plan draft now East Grinstead omitted – a CPRE Sussex has overruled Manningsheath success Council’s refusal of an application X applications to build Horsham Crowborough Wadhurst to build 46 houses on countryside on countryside pending X at Billingshurst. A decisive factor XX Mayfield in this contentious decision was Woolbeding Billingshurst the District’s lack of a five-year St Cuthbert’s School Haywards Heath major redevelopment X Petworth Heathfield housing land supply measured Uckfield Rye proposed in SDNP Midhurst X against the huge target of 13000 XBurgess Hill X

houses imposed by the recently Storrington Pullborough XHenfield revoked South East Plan – on applications to build on countryside Storrington X the questionable grounds that pending X Steyning Hastings its “housing requirement figures Hailsham Lewes X X are the most recent figures that Chichester Bexhill Worthing Shoreham X have been tested through an Surrounding Chichester X X Coombe Haven Valley strategic gap infill, Brighton & Hove X examination process”. That this X X X X Rottingdean Bexhill - Hastings link threatens City’s X Littlehampton Peacehaven Road excessive target was determined historic character XX Newhaven Oatlands Bognor Regis X Eastbourne during a period of exceptional X 200 homes, in appeal Burgess Hill Seaford Honey Farm, Polegate economic growth before the X 3865 houses proposed 520 houses on agricultural Ferring + 30 hectare Business Park land refused permission - recession was not acknowledged Selsey 50 houses + 12 hectare Science Park Angmering Newhaven a CPRE Sussex success by the Inspector 1000 houses Manhood Peninsula 490 houses South East Water’s draft By any equitable standard, proposed WRMP14 includes large Almodington Glasshouses Brighton & Hove this is unreasonable and unjust. Appeal dismissed new extension Toads Hole Valley green Ringmer Nevertheless, communities across Barnham, Eastergate, Henfield field site to be developed 25 hectare Solar Array proposed Sussex and beyond are at high risk Aldingbourne, applications to build in SDNP – 76,500 panels just Westergate on countryside below, dominating view from the from inappropriate development. 2,000 proposed pending Lancing/ Shoreham Lewes Downs SAC on “Best and flood plain most versatile agricultural land” Dr R F Smith, 1000 houses proposed Chair Horsham District

8 9 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 Ravilious, CPRE and the South Downs Andy Boddington

No artist has captured the gentle spirit of the South Downs better than Eric Ravilious. He grew up in Eastbourne and, in his thirties, he returned Today, we cannot to Sussex to paint the gentle curves of the Downs. A shy man, described resist filling our rural as having an extraordinary pan-like charm, his landscape paintings and woodcuts portray the Downs with a sense of simplicity and tranquil landscapes with emptiness. clutter. Road signs, Ravilious did not paint an innocent view of nature. His countryside is one of ploughed fields, a working landscape tended by farmers. masts, pylons, drilling Invariably uncluttered, to the modern eye Ravilious’s scenes seem rigs, jarring housing almost a blank canvas waiting to be filled with jumble. developments and Today, we cannot resist filling our rural landscapes with clutter. Road signs, masts, pylons, drilling rigs, jarring housing developments and brash industrial brash industrial buildings far too often detract from the soft beauty of buildings far too often rolling hills. That’s why the National Park is so important but it is also why CPRE is needed. Older than the national parks themselves, CPRE has detract from the soft long been the leading opponent of clutter and bad development. beauty of rolling hills. It was the Council for the Preservation of Rural England that in 1929 urged Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald to create national parks, including part of the South Downs. The Downs were overlooked and had to wait ninety years for designation. is a priority area for the Park very attractiveness that tourists Downs in Winter, Eric Ravilious, The Park Authority is now two years old and is already a major Authority. It is currently asking for and residents seek, as well as 1934. Image courtesy of Towner, influence on the 627 square mile area its oversees (210 square miles are ideas to promote walking, cycling undermining the environment and Eastbourne. in Hampshire). It embraces the sandstones of the Western Weald and the and public transport. economy of our newest national chalk of the South Downs, contains around a thousand protected nature Planning is one of the biggest park. sites and is home to 110,000 people. challenges the Authority faces. We may never quite Eric Ravilious would find the busyness of today’s National Park It must work with the existing unsettling. Former dark skies have been lit by the glare of light pollution. borough, district and county recapture the quiet The Park Authority is surveying the pockets of darkness that remain councils, not all of which are serenity of Ravilious’s in the hope of being accredited as an international dark sky reserve. comfortable with the park’s In the thirties, when Ravilious painted at the cottage of artist Peggy overriding powers. Already there landscapes. But we can Angus in the shadow Beddingham Hill, the South Downs were already is friction with maintain the character a destination for walkers and motorists. Now tourists spend 46 million City Council over developments at ‘visitor days’ in the park every year, loading demand on facilities, eroding the edge of the Downs. Planners of one of the most paths and creating putting on habitats and rare species. must maintain the £2.23 billion beautiful places in Tourists cannot be shooed away. Urban dwellers need rural spaces to economy of the park area, get England. relax. The local economy needs the £464 million a year spent by visitors urgently needed affordable The South Downs National Park in the park area. The downside is that Ravilious’s empty country lanes housing built and facilitate the Authority must take the lead and are now often crowded with traffic. This is the closest national park to demands of tourists. Yet over- A Church under a Hill, it is for CPRE to be its collaborator London and the majority of visitors arrive by car. With at least 66 million development will damage the Eric Ravilious c. 1931 car trips per year into the park, it’s no surprise that sustainable transport and watchdog. © Trustees of the British Museum 10 11 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 www.cpresussex.org.uk Chairman’s report Trustees’ Report 2012 has been a year of significant changes to the planning system. The financial statements presented by the Trustees are drawn up in accordance with There have also been changes to the activities and staffing of the Branch. current statutory requirements, the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting The Localism Act introduced the concept of Neighbourhood Planning and Reporting by Charities’ issued in 2005, the Charities Act 2011 and the Branch’s and came fully into force on 15th January. The National Planning Policy governing document. Framework (NPPF) came into force on 27th March. The Department of Community and Local Government (DCLG) funded Trustees Constitution, objectives and activities Trustees’ Responsibilities a training scheme for Neighbourhood Planning, delivered through CPRE Chairman CPRE Sussex is an unincorporated Law applicable to charities in England and and the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). We ran several Rodney Chambers association and The Branch’s governing Wales requires the Trustees to prepare document is “The Constitution of the financial statements for each financial seminars to help Parish Councils get started. Vice Chairman: West Sussex Sussex Branch of the Campaign to Protect year which give a true and fair view of the CPRE Sussex appeared as a Rule 6 party at an appeal against Dr Roger Smith Rural England” approved by the AGM charity’s financial activities during the Chichester DC’s refusal to permit a 53-acre glasshouse development on Vice Chairman: East Sussex in 2003. The Branch is restricted by year and of its financial position at the end the Manhood Peninsula. The appeal, which bridged the introduction of Stuart Derwent its Constitution from undertaking any of the years. In preparing those financial NPPF, was refused much to local relief. Hon Treasurer substantial permanent trading activities. statements the Trustees are required to:- Stuart Meier, our first Director, resigned at the end of March but Peter Lansberry • select suitable accounting policies appeared at the above appeal until mid April. In July Georgia Wrighton, Hon Secretary Public benefit reporting and then apply them consistently; appointed from a strong field of applicants, took up post as Director, Prof Edmund Critchley The Trustees confirm that they have rapidly establishing herself as a leader and Branch spokeswoman for on Executive Committee referred to the guidance contained in the • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; a number of key environmental issues. Members Charity Commission’s general guidance on Our AGM was held on 10th July at Brinsbury College. The agricultural Michael Brown public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s • state whether applicable accounting theme was led by two speakers, Jonny Morris who manages the Justin French-Brooks aims and objectives and in planning future standards and statements of recommended practice have been agricultural estate of Brighton and Hove City Council and Jane Cecil, Stephen Hardy activities. followed; and General Manager of the National Trust for the South Downs. Stephen Penelope Hudd Sussex Countryside Trust prepare the financial statements on Hardy and Michael Brown (both solicitors) have joined the Board of John Kay • Sussex Countryside Trust, is a company the going concern basis. Trustees. Christopher Lewis limited by guarantee, to protect the use Throughout our area we are scrutinising the Local Plans of our District The trustees are responsible for keeping New Trustees are appointed of the name. That company has not yet Councils, concentrating particularly on projected housing numbers. proper accounting records which disclose after a review of the skills carried out any activities and it is not We assert that the abolition of Regional Government with its top- with reasonable accuracy at any time the required and are drawn from currently expected to do so during 2013. down planning system has given local authorities the freedom to plan financial position of the charity and which individuals who have relevant enables them to ensure that the financial according to local needs. We have commissioned research into the basis Financial review and reserves backgrounds. When appropriate statements comply with the Charities of housing projections in Horsham and Crawley District. The Chairman’s report included in these trustees consult other like- Act 2011. They are also responsible for We are increasingly using information technology. Our website has accounts gives a full description of the minded organisations for safeguarding the assets of the charity and been updated, we now have Twitter and Facebook accounts and a Blog. activities and results for the year. The nominations. New trustees are hence for taking reasonable precautions We have attracted a number of younger volunteers who have helped to trustees consider that the level of reserves provided with an introduction to for the prevention and detection of fraud raise our profile in the Press, also helped by our links with the Journalism is adequate to support the current the Charity. and other irregularities. Course at City College, Brighton & Hove. activities for the next two or three years, and are actively reviewing the future Membership has increased through the conversion of supporters Stephen Hardy was elected Approved by the Committee of Trustees on funding to ensure that CPRE Sussex can (regular donators to the National Organisation but not attached to a as a trustee in July 2012 and 11 May 2013 and signed on its behalf by: continue to be an effective voice for the Michael Brown co-opted at the branch). Nevertheless the long-term trend in membership is downwards future. The trustees review the financial Executive Committee Meeting Rodney Chambers and we are doing our best to recruit new members and volunteers and other risks when appropriate. Finally I express my thanks to Liz Beeney and Sas Drury who have of 23rd October 2012 Chairman ably kept the administration of the Branch on an even keel throughout. I have as always been supported by my fellow Trustees and a team of Charity number: 265028 Company number: 7780611 volunteers who have brought great expertise and commitment to the work of the Branch.

Rodney Chambers Chairman, CPRE Sussex Countryside Trust

12 13 CPRE Sussex Review Summer 2013 www.cpresussex.org.uk Abridged Financial Information Cool, Green & Cheap Statement of Financial Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Activities for the year funds funds 2012 2011 Working in harmony with the land Georgia Wrighton ended 31 December 2012 Incoming Resources £ £ £ £ in conversation with CPRE Members Branch Share 25,344 - 25,344 25,469 It was a pleasure to meet Duncan “Our projects don’t Duncan Baker Brown Investment Income 2,578 - 2,578 2,797 These figures are extracted from the full Baker-Brown, Director of BBM Legacies 2,615 - 2,615 39,843 rely on renewables. Trustees’ Report and financial statements Architects at his offices in Donations 8,214 10,000 18,214 25,493 which have been independently examined Gift Aid 344 - 344 2,877 Cooksbridge. Duncan is somewhat With sensible use by Mr C R Tyler of Clark Brownscombe Other Income 6,600 - 6,600 1,951 of a legend in these parts for Limited who gave an unqualified of materials and Total Incoming Resources 45,695 10,000 55,695 98,430 practicing sustainable design and statement in May 2013. The Independent construction that doesn’t cost the orientation, you get a Examiner has confirmed to the Trustees Resources Expended earth. Duncan uses local materials that the summarised financial statements property that doesn’t Costs of generating funds like sweet chestnut and sheeps are consistent with the full financial Costs of generating income 1,810 - 1,810 1,505 wool in his buildings, supporting produce as much statements for the year ended 31 Costs of Charitable Activities work on the land and helping to December 2012. The Trustees’ Report Costs of furtherance of the objects 72,477 72,477 80,372 energy in the first protect precious landscapes “It’s and financial statements were approved of the charity place.” by the Trustees and signed on their Governance Costs 2,084 - 2,084 2,411 all about local labour, materials- if behalf on 11 May 2013. They will be Total Resources Expended 76,371 - 76,371 84,288 you look at the South Downs we Where he uses renewables, they’re So what inspired Duncan? “I was submitted to the Charity Commission. have more materials than you can incorporated elegantly into the brought up on a farm in West Essex Net Incoming/ (Outgoing) (30,676) 10,000 (20,676) 14,142 design, like the glass solar roof at a time when major new roads These summarised financial statements Resources before Transfers shake a stick at. And we have an panels used for a client in Hadlow may not contain sufficient information Gains/ (Losses) on Investment Assets amazing diversity of materials.” were ploughing through the area. to gain a complete understanding of the Unrealised and Realised 7,347 7,347 (4,809) Duncan is well-known for re- Down (pictured). One day, I was out walking with financial affairs of CPRE Sussex. The full Net Movements in Funds (23,329) 10,000 (13,329) 9,333 using waste in construction. “For Duncan’s message is that my Mum and we looked out over Trustees’ Report, Independent Examiner’s Fund balances at 1 January 2012 258,567 5,927 264,494 255,161 every 5 houses we build, 1 goes “Green needn’t cost more than Epping Forest and we could see Report and Financial Statements may be Fund balances at 31 December 2012 235,238 15,927 251,165 264,494 to waste” he explained, the result the norm”. He explained that raw the City of London in the distance. obtained from CPRE Sussex, Brownings of a culture of oversupply. He’s material prices are increasing, I asked my Mum “What would Farm, Blackboys, Uckfield, East Sussex and that there’s a cost to sending stop London encroaching into TN22 5HG. urging us to “Think outside the waste away to be burnt, much of Abridge?”. “The Green Belt”, she 2012 2011 bin” by building The Waste House it overseas. Duncan uses South replied. From that moment on, Balance Sheet at Fixed Assets £ £ at University of Brighton. Working Downs company New Life paints, Duncan had an appreciation of the 31 December 2012 Tangible Assets 631 1,527 with student carpenters and Stock and Bond Investment 67,583 60,997 company Mears’ apprenticeship putting left over paint to good use Green Belt and the importance of Total Fixed Assets 68,214 62,524 scheme he’s demonstrating and reducing costs. Duncan warns working in harmony with nature. that rules on VAT aren’t helping to How many stories from our own Current Assets that one person’s waste can be breathe new life into much loved youth inspired us to protect the Debtors, Prepayments and Deposits 7,450 9,989 another’s resource. Reducing buildings. Zero rating on new countryside? Short term deposits 170,020 169,700 consumption reflects Duncan’s build stacks the odds in favour of Cash at bank and in hand 7,192 24,323 focus on energy efficiency too We very much look forward to Total Current Assets 184,662 204,012 demolition. meeting Duncan at our AGM in July. Less Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 1,711 2,042

Net Current Assets 182,951 201,970 Net Assets 251,165 264,494 Capital Funds Income Funds Restricted 15,927 5,927 Unrestricted 235,238 258,567 Total 251,165 264,494

14 15 You’re invited to our 40th AGM

At The Meridian Hall, East Grinstead On Wednesday 10th July 2013 Meeting starts at 10:30 am (Coffee 10:00am)

Following lunch: Chris Nunn from Ashplats Woods Conservation Group will talk briefly about the interesting history of East Court Estate and the conservation work in Ashplats Woods followed by a two mile guided walk through Ashplats ancient woodland. The wood is hilly and, depending on the weather, the ground underfoot could be muddy; so sturdy footwear is essential. Alternatively, members may prefer to join the East Court gardener, Jenny Watson, in a short tour of the gardens followed by a gentle walk along the Centenary Nature Trail, led by Lorna Train. Or, members are welcome to simply relax and enjoy at their leisure the magnificent parkland grounds, The formal business of the meeting will be followed Memorial Gardens and the stunning views from the by a talk from architect Duncan Baker Brown, senior Meridian Hall Terrace. partner at BBM Sustainable Design and Senior If you would like to attend, please complete and Lecturer in the University of Brighton’s School of return the enclosed booking form by Friday 28th Architecture who will share with us his passion for June. innovative architecture that’s kind to the environment and discuss the potential for a new vernacular (Please submit Agenda items and nominations for architecture in Sussex. the Executive Committee in writing to the office by Monday 3rd June 2013). The meeting and Duncan’s talk will take place in the morning and will be followed by a delicious buffet Copies of the Agenda and the 2012 Minutes will be lunch served at £14.00 per head. available on the day. To request them in advance please contact the office by e-mail – [email protected] or by phone 01825 890975

Travel Directions: The Meridian Hall, East Court Estate, A map can be found at East Court, College Lane, www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk/contact-us/location-map East Grinstead, RH19 3LT or is available on request. There is ample free parking on East Court is best approached by car off College Lane site. The glorious Meridian Hall building, home of East accessed from the following – A22 (Uckfield), Grinstead Town Council, is a short distance from the town A22 (Godstone), A264 (Crawley) and A264 Tunbridge centre and railway station. Wells roads.

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