Ask the Leader

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Liberal Democrat Councillor James Partridge is the leader of Wealden District Council and also represents Crowborough North ward .

Cllr Partridge will be pleased to answer any question you may have about Wealden District Council's policies, or other matters involving the council, which you think are of interest to people living, working or visiting Wealden.

The response to your question will posted here so others can read it too should they wish. If we think the question is inappropriate for publication we will contact you to say why.

Specific inquiries about particular services can be reported online.

Freedom of Information queries can be submitted here

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback can be submitted here

Below is a list of the topics of questions that have already been asked which you can click on by topic. Please feel free to read our responses to see if we have already answered your question before submitting.

Please also note that in order to submit a question, participants must have an account on Let's Talk Wealden. If you do not already have an account, but would like to register one, please click here.

Liberal Democrat Councillor James Partridge is the leader of Wealden District Council and also represents Crowborough North ward .

Cllr Partridge will be pleased to answer any question you may have about Wealden District Council's policies, or other matters involving the council, which you think are of interest to people living, working or visiting Wealden.

The response to your question will posted here so others can read it too should they wish. If we think the question is inappropriate for publication we will contact you to say why.

Specific inquiries about particular services can be reported online.

Freedom of Information queries can be submitted here

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback can be submitted here

Below is a list of the topics of questions that have already been asked which you can click on by topic. Please feel free to read our responses to see if we have already answered your question before submitting.

Please also note that in order to submit a question, participants must have an account on Let's Talk Wealden. If you do not already have an account, but would like to register one, please click here.

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  • Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Facebook Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Twitter Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Linkedin Email Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you link

    Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you

    Paul Dunn asked 15 days ago

    Dear Mr Dunn, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    We can confirm that the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner has been invited to attend the public meeting on Thursday 13 November. 

    The Home Office and Crowborough Town Council will be in attendance, to answer questions. Nus Ghani MP has also been invited to this meeting. 

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Questions for the Home Office can be sent to public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here:  How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this. 

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK 

    Kind regards,

    James

  • Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Facebook Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Twitter Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Linkedin Email Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman link

    Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman

    Paul Millman asked 15 days ago

    Dear Mr Millman,

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    We are holding a public meeting at Crowborough Community Centre for Crowborough residents on Thursday 13 November at 7.30pm. Tickets were on a first come, first serve basis and have now sold out. However the meeting will also be available to watch and participate in online.  The link to the meeting for online watchers will be available on Thursday 13 November and be put on Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council and our socials. 

    The Home Office and Crowborough Town Council will be in attendance, to answer questions. Nus Ghani MP has also been invited to this meeting. 

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Questions for the Home Office can be sent to public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here: How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp – Wealden District Council. [wealden.gov.uk] The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind regards, 

    James

  • Share Can you confirm when the next council elections are so we can actually get somebody who represents the views of the vast majority of people in the area. You must be very proud that the proposed army camp housing will be your lasting legacy. on Facebook Share Can you confirm when the next council elections are so we can actually get somebody who represents the views of the vast majority of people in the area. You must be very proud that the proposed army camp housing will be your lasting legacy. on Twitter Share Can you confirm when the next council elections are so we can actually get somebody who represents the views of the vast majority of people in the area. You must be very proud that the proposed army camp housing will be your lasting legacy. on Linkedin Email Can you confirm when the next council elections are so we can actually get somebody who represents the views of the vast majority of people in the area. You must be very proud that the proposed army camp housing will be your lasting legacy. link

    Can you confirm when the next council elections are so we can actually get somebody who represents the views of the vast majority of people in the area. You must be very proud that the proposed army camp housing will be your lasting legacy.

    bowlesman10 asked 12 days ago

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp – Wealden District Council. [wealden.gov.uk] The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind regards, 

    James

  • Share Dear Mr Partridge Our MP Nus Ghani wrote to you on 29th October, a copy is in the public domain. Please can you confirn that you have responded? I attended the meeting in Crowborough Community Centre on Monday 10th and was unimpressed with WDC's responses. Can you confirm that you reject the establishment of a camp for asylum seekers in Crowboroough. If you do support it please explain why? Having 600 young men, free to roam in and around Crowborough will change the nature of our town. regards Mr Sandy Young Fords Field, Smugglers Lane, Crowborough TN6 1TG on Facebook Share Dear Mr Partridge Our MP Nus Ghani wrote to you on 29th October, a copy is in the public domain. Please can you confirn that you have responded? I attended the meeting in Crowborough Community Centre on Monday 10th and was unimpressed with WDC's responses. Can you confirm that you reject the establishment of a camp for asylum seekers in Crowboroough. If you do support it please explain why? Having 600 young men, free to roam in and around Crowborough will change the nature of our town. regards Mr Sandy Young Fords Field, Smugglers Lane, Crowborough TN6 1TG on Twitter Share Dear Mr Partridge Our MP Nus Ghani wrote to you on 29th October, a copy is in the public domain. Please can you confirn that you have responded? I attended the meeting in Crowborough Community Centre on Monday 10th and was unimpressed with WDC's responses. Can you confirm that you reject the establishment of a camp for asylum seekers in Crowboroough. If you do support it please explain why? Having 600 young men, free to roam in and around Crowborough will change the nature of our town. regards Mr Sandy Young Fords Field, Smugglers Lane, Crowborough TN6 1TG on Linkedin Email Dear Mr Partridge Our MP Nus Ghani wrote to you on 29th October, a copy is in the public domain. Please can you confirn that you have responded? I attended the meeting in Crowborough Community Centre on Monday 10th and was unimpressed with WDC's responses. Can you confirm that you reject the establishment of a camp for asylum seekers in Crowboroough. If you do support it please explain why? Having 600 young men, free to roam in and around Crowborough will change the nature of our town. regards Mr Sandy Young Fords Field, Smugglers Lane, Crowborough TN6 1TG link

    Dear Mr Partridge Our MP Nus Ghani wrote to you on 29th October, a copy is in the public domain. Please can you confirn that you have responded? I attended the meeting in Crowborough Community Centre on Monday 10th and was unimpressed with WDC's responses. Can you confirm that you reject the establishment of a camp for asylum seekers in Crowboroough. If you do support it please explain why? Having 600 young men, free to roam in and around Crowborough will change the nature of our town. regards Mr Sandy Young Fords Field, Smugglers Lane, Crowborough TN6 1TG

    Sandy Young asked 10 days ago

    Dear Mr  Young, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known. I can confirm that we responded to MP Nus Ghani's letter of the 29th October on 4th November. For the latest updates and FAQs, please visit our dedicated page: Crowborough Army Camp – Wealden District Council. [wealden.gov.uk]

    We understand the strength of feeling in the community about this matter. However, decisions regarding the use of Crowborough Army Camp for asylum accommodation rest entirely with the Home Office, which has negotiated directly with the Ministry of Defence as the landowner. Wealden District Council does not have the authority to approve or refuse this use of the site. Our role is limited to fulfilling statutory duties and liaising with stakeholders to mitigate any local impact. 

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Your questions are therefore for the Home Office to answer and respond to, so please contact them at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here: How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind Regards 

    James

  • Share I am a resident of Crowborough and have been for 35 years. When will WDC be staging a consultation meeting with residents to answer questions regarding the Army Camp Proposals. We have had unofficial meetings (yesterday) but no formal consultation by WDC. Surely we deserve a chance to hear from you rather have to search your website for answers. There is huge anxiety in the town and we need answers from you before matters turn ugly. on Facebook Share I am a resident of Crowborough and have been for 35 years. When will WDC be staging a consultation meeting with residents to answer questions regarding the Army Camp Proposals. We have had unofficial meetings (yesterday) but no formal consultation by WDC. Surely we deserve a chance to hear from you rather have to search your website for answers. There is huge anxiety in the town and we need answers from you before matters turn ugly. on Twitter Share I am a resident of Crowborough and have been for 35 years. When will WDC be staging a consultation meeting with residents to answer questions regarding the Army Camp Proposals. We have had unofficial meetings (yesterday) but no formal consultation by WDC. Surely we deserve a chance to hear from you rather have to search your website for answers. There is huge anxiety in the town and we need answers from you before matters turn ugly. on Linkedin Email I am a resident of Crowborough and have been for 35 years. When will WDC be staging a consultation meeting with residents to answer questions regarding the Army Camp Proposals. We have had unofficial meetings (yesterday) but no formal consultation by WDC. Surely we deserve a chance to hear from you rather have to search your website for answers. There is huge anxiety in the town and we need answers from you before matters turn ugly. link

    I am a resident of Crowborough and have been for 35 years. When will WDC be staging a consultation meeting with residents to answer questions regarding the Army Camp Proposals. We have had unofficial meetings (yesterday) but no formal consultation by WDC. Surely we deserve a chance to hear from you rather have to search your website for answers. There is huge anxiety in the town and we need answers from you before matters turn ugly.

    Paul Millman asked 21 days ago

    Dear Paul, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Your questions are therefore for the Home Office to answer and respond to, so please contact them at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here:

    How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.  

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions.  We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council

    The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind regards, 

    James.

  • Share So who thought this was a good idea? Crowborough Army Camp is now being used to house illegal immigrants—and we want to know: who made that decision? Was anyone local consulted? Was safety even considered? And here’s the real question: who’s going to be held responsible if someone gets attacked, stabbed or SA? Will they just shrug and say “lessons will be learned”? Will you be accountable? Will there be a police presence at schools? This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community and demanding accountability. We deserve answers before something goes wrong. on Facebook Share So who thought this was a good idea? Crowborough Army Camp is now being used to house illegal immigrants—and we want to know: who made that decision? Was anyone local consulted? Was safety even considered? And here’s the real question: who’s going to be held responsible if someone gets attacked, stabbed or SA? Will they just shrug and say “lessons will be learned”? Will you be accountable? Will there be a police presence at schools? This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community and demanding accountability. We deserve answers before something goes wrong. on Twitter Share So who thought this was a good idea? Crowborough Army Camp is now being used to house illegal immigrants—and we want to know: who made that decision? Was anyone local consulted? Was safety even considered? And here’s the real question: who’s going to be held responsible if someone gets attacked, stabbed or SA? Will they just shrug and say “lessons will be learned”? Will you be accountable? Will there be a police presence at schools? This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community and demanding accountability. We deserve answers before something goes wrong. on Linkedin Email So who thought this was a good idea? Crowborough Army Camp is now being used to house illegal immigrants—and we want to know: who made that decision? Was anyone local consulted? Was safety even considered? And here’s the real question: who’s going to be held responsible if someone gets attacked, stabbed or SA? Will they just shrug and say “lessons will be learned”? Will you be accountable? Will there be a police presence at schools? This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community and demanding accountability. We deserve answers before something goes wrong. link

    So who thought this was a good idea? Crowborough Army Camp is now being used to house illegal immigrants—and we want to know: who made that decision? Was anyone local consulted? Was safety even considered? And here’s the real question: who’s going to be held responsible if someone gets attacked, stabbed or SA? Will they just shrug and say “lessons will be learned”? Will you be accountable? Will there be a police presence at schools? This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community and demanding accountability. We deserve answers before something goes wrong.

    Neil asked 21 days ago

    Dear Neil, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Your questions are therefore for the Home Office to answer and respond to, so please contact them at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here:

    How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.  

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions.  We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council

    The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK

  • Share Dear Mr Partridge I attended a public meeting yesterday at crowborough community centre concerning the proposed use of the crowborough army camp to house illegal migrants. It would have been useful if you were attending in order for you to experience the anger and disquiet amongst Crowborough residents. What has the Council done to stop this unwelcome influx of 600 illegal men. Crowborough residents are perplexed, angry, nervous, frightened about this situation. When will you hold a public meeting to hear our concerns? As you are aware crowborough has a virtually non existent police force, so who will be doing the policing? These migrants will NOT be welcome in the town. on Facebook Share Dear Mr Partridge I attended a public meeting yesterday at crowborough community centre concerning the proposed use of the crowborough army camp to house illegal migrants. It would have been useful if you were attending in order for you to experience the anger and disquiet amongst Crowborough residents. What has the Council done to stop this unwelcome influx of 600 illegal men. Crowborough residents are perplexed, angry, nervous, frightened about this situation. When will you hold a public meeting to hear our concerns? As you are aware crowborough has a virtually non existent police force, so who will be doing the policing? These migrants will NOT be welcome in the town. on Twitter Share Dear Mr Partridge I attended a public meeting yesterday at crowborough community centre concerning the proposed use of the crowborough army camp to house illegal migrants. It would have been useful if you were attending in order for you to experience the anger and disquiet amongst Crowborough residents. What has the Council done to stop this unwelcome influx of 600 illegal men. Crowborough residents are perplexed, angry, nervous, frightened about this situation. When will you hold a public meeting to hear our concerns? As you are aware crowborough has a virtually non existent police force, so who will be doing the policing? These migrants will NOT be welcome in the town. on Linkedin Email Dear Mr Partridge I attended a public meeting yesterday at crowborough community centre concerning the proposed use of the crowborough army camp to house illegal migrants. It would have been useful if you were attending in order for you to experience the anger and disquiet amongst Crowborough residents. What has the Council done to stop this unwelcome influx of 600 illegal men. Crowborough residents are perplexed, angry, nervous, frightened about this situation. When will you hold a public meeting to hear our concerns? As you are aware crowborough has a virtually non existent police force, so who will be doing the policing? These migrants will NOT be welcome in the town. link

    Dear Mr Partridge I attended a public meeting yesterday at crowborough community centre concerning the proposed use of the crowborough army camp to house illegal migrants. It would have been useful if you were attending in order for you to experience the anger and disquiet amongst Crowborough residents. What has the Council done to stop this unwelcome influx of 600 illegal men. Crowborough residents are perplexed, angry, nervous, frightened about this situation. When will you hold a public meeting to hear our concerns? As you are aware crowborough has a virtually non existent police force, so who will be doing the policing? These migrants will NOT be welcome in the town.

    Janedunorlan asked 21 days ago

    Dear Jane, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Your questions are therefore for the Home Office to answer and respond to, so please contact them at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here:

    How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK”

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.  

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions.  We will continue to press them on this. 

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council

    The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind regards,

    James.

  • Share Dear Cllr. Partridge, In April last year at PCN a member asked why there was not an HRA with the 340 house Horstedpond Farm application. As I’m sure that you know, an HRA is a legal requirement when a significant effect to a protected site like Ashdown Forest SPA cannot be ruled out. The threshold for a significant effect is very low and should there be any doubt whatsoever that a significant effect cannot be ruled out, then a HRA is required before any permission can be granted. The member received the very surprising reply from the Head of Planning that the council had evidence that nobody living beyond the 7km zone would visit Ashdown Forest. I found this answer incredible and was certain that the council did not have the evidence claimed. I asked the Head of Planning for the evidence he stated the council held, but the request was ignored. I asked the Director of Place for the evidence, but the request was ignored. I then asked the Director of Legal whether she agreed with the other two officers and was told that they were correctly following the council’s long settled position. I submitted a FOI request asking for the evidence that the Head of Planning said the council held, but the council confirmed that it could not supply the requested information because it did not have it. This answer confirmed that the Head of Planning’s advice to PCN was clearly incorrect meaning that the application should be reconsidered by them. However, when this was again put to the Director of Place he disagreed and said that there was no need to reconsider the application. The Chief Executive also confirmed in May that he backed his officers. I would like to remind you that any grant of permission for the Horstedpond Farm site without a HRA would be unlawful. Please could you answer the following two questions: It is clear where officers stand, but I would like to know whether you as Council Leader are content for incorrect information to be knowingly provided to committee – do you endorse this? Assuming that you don’t condone incorrect advice being deliberately provided to members, do you not think that the application should be bought back for reconsideration by PCN together with the production of the legally required HRA? I look forward to your response, rather than yet another evasive one generated by officers. on Facebook Share Dear Cllr. Partridge, In April last year at PCN a member asked why there was not an HRA with the 340 house Horstedpond Farm application. As I’m sure that you know, an HRA is a legal requirement when a significant effect to a protected site like Ashdown Forest SPA cannot be ruled out. The threshold for a significant effect is very low and should there be any doubt whatsoever that a significant effect cannot be ruled out, then a HRA is required before any permission can be granted. The member received the very surprising reply from the Head of Planning that the council had evidence that nobody living beyond the 7km zone would visit Ashdown Forest. I found this answer incredible and was certain that the council did not have the evidence claimed. I asked the Head of Planning for the evidence he stated the council held, but the request was ignored. I asked the Director of Place for the evidence, but the request was ignored. I then asked the Director of Legal whether she agreed with the other two officers and was told that they were correctly following the council’s long settled position. I submitted a FOI request asking for the evidence that the Head of Planning said the council held, but the council confirmed that it could not supply the requested information because it did not have it. This answer confirmed that the Head of Planning’s advice to PCN was clearly incorrect meaning that the application should be reconsidered by them. However, when this was again put to the Director of Place he disagreed and said that there was no need to reconsider the application. The Chief Executive also confirmed in May that he backed his officers. I would like to remind you that any grant of permission for the Horstedpond Farm site without a HRA would be unlawful. Please could you answer the following two questions: It is clear where officers stand, but I would like to know whether you as Council Leader are content for incorrect information to be knowingly provided to committee – do you endorse this? Assuming that you don’t condone incorrect advice being deliberately provided to members, do you not think that the application should be bought back for reconsideration by PCN together with the production of the legally required HRA? I look forward to your response, rather than yet another evasive one generated by officers. on Twitter Share Dear Cllr. Partridge, In April last year at PCN a member asked why there was not an HRA with the 340 house Horstedpond Farm application. As I’m sure that you know, an HRA is a legal requirement when a significant effect to a protected site like Ashdown Forest SPA cannot be ruled out. The threshold for a significant effect is very low and should there be any doubt whatsoever that a significant effect cannot be ruled out, then a HRA is required before any permission can be granted. The member received the very surprising reply from the Head of Planning that the council had evidence that nobody living beyond the 7km zone would visit Ashdown Forest. I found this answer incredible and was certain that the council did not have the evidence claimed. I asked the Head of Planning for the evidence he stated the council held, but the request was ignored. I asked the Director of Place for the evidence, but the request was ignored. I then asked the Director of Legal whether she agreed with the other two officers and was told that they were correctly following the council’s long settled position. I submitted a FOI request asking for the evidence that the Head of Planning said the council held, but the council confirmed that it could not supply the requested information because it did not have it. This answer confirmed that the Head of Planning’s advice to PCN was clearly incorrect meaning that the application should be reconsidered by them. However, when this was again put to the Director of Place he disagreed and said that there was no need to reconsider the application. The Chief Executive also confirmed in May that he backed his officers. I would like to remind you that any grant of permission for the Horstedpond Farm site without a HRA would be unlawful. Please could you answer the following two questions: It is clear where officers stand, but I would like to know whether you as Council Leader are content for incorrect information to be knowingly provided to committee – do you endorse this? Assuming that you don’t condone incorrect advice being deliberately provided to members, do you not think that the application should be bought back for reconsideration by PCN together with the production of the legally required HRA? I look forward to your response, rather than yet another evasive one generated by officers. on Linkedin Email Dear Cllr. Partridge, In April last year at PCN a member asked why there was not an HRA with the 340 house Horstedpond Farm application. As I’m sure that you know, an HRA is a legal requirement when a significant effect to a protected site like Ashdown Forest SPA cannot be ruled out. The threshold for a significant effect is very low and should there be any doubt whatsoever that a significant effect cannot be ruled out, then a HRA is required before any permission can be granted. The member received the very surprising reply from the Head of Planning that the council had evidence that nobody living beyond the 7km zone would visit Ashdown Forest. I found this answer incredible and was certain that the council did not have the evidence claimed. I asked the Head of Planning for the evidence he stated the council held, but the request was ignored. I asked the Director of Place for the evidence, but the request was ignored. I then asked the Director of Legal whether she agreed with the other two officers and was told that they were correctly following the council’s long settled position. I submitted a FOI request asking for the evidence that the Head of Planning said the council held, but the council confirmed that it could not supply the requested information because it did not have it. This answer confirmed that the Head of Planning’s advice to PCN was clearly incorrect meaning that the application should be reconsidered by them. However, when this was again put to the Director of Place he disagreed and said that there was no need to reconsider the application. The Chief Executive also confirmed in May that he backed his officers. I would like to remind you that any grant of permission for the Horstedpond Farm site without a HRA would be unlawful. Please could you answer the following two questions: It is clear where officers stand, but I would like to know whether you as Council Leader are content for incorrect information to be knowingly provided to committee – do you endorse this? Assuming that you don’t condone incorrect advice being deliberately provided to members, do you not think that the application should be bought back for reconsideration by PCN together with the production of the legally required HRA? I look forward to your response, rather than yet another evasive one generated by officers. link

    Dear Cllr. Partridge, In April last year at PCN a member asked why there was not an HRA with the 340 house Horstedpond Farm application. As I’m sure that you know, an HRA is a legal requirement when a significant effect to a protected site like Ashdown Forest SPA cannot be ruled out. The threshold for a significant effect is very low and should there be any doubt whatsoever that a significant effect cannot be ruled out, then a HRA is required before any permission can be granted. The member received the very surprising reply from the Head of Planning that the council had evidence that nobody living beyond the 7km zone would visit Ashdown Forest. I found this answer incredible and was certain that the council did not have the evidence claimed. I asked the Head of Planning for the evidence he stated the council held, but the request was ignored. I asked the Director of Place for the evidence, but the request was ignored. I then asked the Director of Legal whether she agreed with the other two officers and was told that they were correctly following the council’s long settled position. I submitted a FOI request asking for the evidence that the Head of Planning said the council held, but the council confirmed that it could not supply the requested information because it did not have it. This answer confirmed that the Head of Planning’s advice to PCN was clearly incorrect meaning that the application should be reconsidered by them. However, when this was again put to the Director of Place he disagreed and said that there was no need to reconsider the application. The Chief Executive also confirmed in May that he backed his officers. I would like to remind you that any grant of permission for the Horstedpond Farm site without a HRA would be unlawful. Please could you answer the following two questions: It is clear where officers stand, but I would like to know whether you as Council Leader are content for incorrect information to be knowingly provided to committee – do you endorse this? Assuming that you don’t condone incorrect advice being deliberately provided to members, do you not think that the application should be bought back for reconsideration by PCN together with the production of the legally required HRA? I look forward to your response, rather than yet another evasive one generated by officers.

    Nick Daines asked 4 months ago

    Dear Mr Daines


    You have made a serious allegation, which I refute.  Having looked into it and consulted with others, I don’t agree either with what you say the law says about HRAs as it applies in this case.

      

    For the avoidance of doubt, I would not condone incorrect information which is material to a decision being deliberately given to any council committee.

     

    Yours sincerely


    James.

  • Share Re the recent announcement in the press about WDC's proposal for a waste depot and solar farm on land it owns at Knights Farm, I was very dismayed to learn that WDC is planning to take yet more agricultural land out of much-needed food production. I can accept this for a waste depot but NOT for a solar farm. The current rush to cover our farmland in such development is misguided and only serves political greenwashing and the financial interests of investment companies. I am a supporter of Net Zero but this can easily be achieved without any more farmland having to ben destroyed for solar farms. The recent Royal Society report https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/low-carbon-energy-programme/large-scale-electricity-storage/ has shown that UK electricity can be 100% renewable by using large-scale energy storage combined with 80% wind and 20% solar generation. This amount of solar power can easily be accommodated on rooftops and car parks without using greenfield land. The land at Knights Farm has, this year, provided forage in the form of hay for Hook and Son's organic dairy farm which employs around 25 people and has thousands of customers in the local area. Organic farming supports much more wildlife than conventional farming. As a solar farm, this land could only support a few sheep at best and at worst it would be completely unproductive, like most solar farms in this area. Our country's food security is dangerously low - we import 40% of our food. It's madness to take out yet more of our much-needed farmland. Could you tell me why, when car parks and roof tops are available, WDC thinks that taking this and other farmland out of food production will help its climate goals? And how it sits with WDC's policies on promoting local food production? on Facebook Share Re the recent announcement in the press about WDC's proposal for a waste depot and solar farm on land it owns at Knights Farm, I was very dismayed to learn that WDC is planning to take yet more agricultural land out of much-needed food production. I can accept this for a waste depot but NOT for a solar farm. The current rush to cover our farmland in such development is misguided and only serves political greenwashing and the financial interests of investment companies. I am a supporter of Net Zero but this can easily be achieved without any more farmland having to ben destroyed for solar farms. The recent Royal Society report https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/low-carbon-energy-programme/large-scale-electricity-storage/ has shown that UK electricity can be 100% renewable by using large-scale energy storage combined with 80% wind and 20% solar generation. This amount of solar power can easily be accommodated on rooftops and car parks without using greenfield land. The land at Knights Farm has, this year, provided forage in the form of hay for Hook and Son's organic dairy farm which employs around 25 people and has thousands of customers in the local area. Organic farming supports much more wildlife than conventional farming. As a solar farm, this land could only support a few sheep at best and at worst it would be completely unproductive, like most solar farms in this area. Our country's food security is dangerously low - we import 40% of our food. It's madness to take out yet more of our much-needed farmland. Could you tell me why, when car parks and roof tops are available, WDC thinks that taking this and other farmland out of food production will help its climate goals? And how it sits with WDC's policies on promoting local food production? on Twitter Share Re the recent announcement in the press about WDC's proposal for a waste depot and solar farm on land it owns at Knights Farm, I was very dismayed to learn that WDC is planning to take yet more agricultural land out of much-needed food production. I can accept this for a waste depot but NOT for a solar farm. The current rush to cover our farmland in such development is misguided and only serves political greenwashing and the financial interests of investment companies. I am a supporter of Net Zero but this can easily be achieved without any more farmland having to ben destroyed for solar farms. The recent Royal Society report https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/low-carbon-energy-programme/large-scale-electricity-storage/ has shown that UK electricity can be 100% renewable by using large-scale energy storage combined with 80% wind and 20% solar generation. This amount of solar power can easily be accommodated on rooftops and car parks without using greenfield land. The land at Knights Farm has, this year, provided forage in the form of hay for Hook and Son's organic dairy farm which employs around 25 people and has thousands of customers in the local area. Organic farming supports much more wildlife than conventional farming. As a solar farm, this land could only support a few sheep at best and at worst it would be completely unproductive, like most solar farms in this area. Our country's food security is dangerously low - we import 40% of our food. It's madness to take out yet more of our much-needed farmland. Could you tell me why, when car parks and roof tops are available, WDC thinks that taking this and other farmland out of food production will help its climate goals? And how it sits with WDC's policies on promoting local food production? on Linkedin Email Re the recent announcement in the press about WDC's proposal for a waste depot and solar farm on land it owns at Knights Farm, I was very dismayed to learn that WDC is planning to take yet more agricultural land out of much-needed food production. I can accept this for a waste depot but NOT for a solar farm. The current rush to cover our farmland in such development is misguided and only serves political greenwashing and the financial interests of investment companies. I am a supporter of Net Zero but this can easily be achieved without any more farmland having to ben destroyed for solar farms. The recent Royal Society report https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/low-carbon-energy-programme/large-scale-electricity-storage/ has shown that UK electricity can be 100% renewable by using large-scale energy storage combined with 80% wind and 20% solar generation. This amount of solar power can easily be accommodated on rooftops and car parks without using greenfield land. The land at Knights Farm has, this year, provided forage in the form of hay for Hook and Son's organic dairy farm which employs around 25 people and has thousands of customers in the local area. Organic farming supports much more wildlife than conventional farming. As a solar farm, this land could only support a few sheep at best and at worst it would be completely unproductive, like most solar farms in this area. Our country's food security is dangerously low - we import 40% of our food. It's madness to take out yet more of our much-needed farmland. Could you tell me why, when car parks and roof tops are available, WDC thinks that taking this and other farmland out of food production will help its climate goals? And how it sits with WDC's policies on promoting local food production? link

    Re the recent announcement in the press about WDC's proposal for a waste depot and solar farm on land it owns at Knights Farm, I was very dismayed to learn that WDC is planning to take yet more agricultural land out of much-needed food production. I can accept this for a waste depot but NOT for a solar farm. The current rush to cover our farmland in such development is misguided and only serves political greenwashing and the financial interests of investment companies. I am a supporter of Net Zero but this can easily be achieved without any more farmland having to ben destroyed for solar farms. The recent Royal Society report https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/low-carbon-energy-programme/large-scale-electricity-storage/ has shown that UK electricity can be 100% renewable by using large-scale energy storage combined with 80% wind and 20% solar generation. This amount of solar power can easily be accommodated on rooftops and car parks without using greenfield land. The land at Knights Farm has, this year, provided forage in the form of hay for Hook and Son's organic dairy farm which employs around 25 people and has thousands of customers in the local area. Organic farming supports much more wildlife than conventional farming. As a solar farm, this land could only support a few sheep at best and at worst it would be completely unproductive, like most solar farms in this area. Our country's food security is dangerously low - we import 40% of our food. It's madness to take out yet more of our much-needed farmland. Could you tell me why, when car parks and roof tops are available, WDC thinks that taking this and other farmland out of food production will help its climate goals? And how it sits with WDC's policies on promoting local food production?

    Paul Lovatt-Smith asked 4 months ago

    Dear Mr Lovatt-Smith,

    Thank you for your question which raises a lot of issues about which there has been much debate.  

     

    This seems to have been settled, for now anyway, by the Government’s  Solar Roadmap.  UK Solar Roadmap 2025  This was produced by a task force which was originally set up by the previous government.  I wonder if you have seen it, because it goes into detail about Land Use and promises a “roof-top revolution”, which should appeal to you, as it will to most people? 

     

    I don’t think the Royal Society report to which you refer supports your points. Personally, I think that CPRE makes pragmatic and sensible recommendations here: Getting solar off the ground: the problem of mega solar on our COUNTRYSIDE.

     

    Focussing on Wealden, we have to balance a lot of factors which include the competing local demands for land for different uses, all of which are important, and our duty to put Council assets to the best practicable use given their own particular characteristics.


    Knights Farm West is likely to be put entirely to business use. It has been earmarked as “employment land” since at least the draft local plan which the Council approved in 2019. There is local demand for employment land and it is in everyone’s interest that it is met. The Council acquired the land for that use in 2020 and, although this will take some years to happen completely, it’s beyond time to start. The interim plan is for the site to be used to produce hay on parts not needed for building work.

     

    Knights Farm West is 42 acres. It is proposed to put solar panels on 1.75 acres of this (about 4%). They will provide cheap electricity to the proposed waste depot and to other businesses, as they come on site. This fits with the Council’s longstanding policy of reducing its own and other peoples’ carbon emissions. It will also reduce pressure on the national grid.  We will use panels which can be moved onto roofs later and look at using the area for combining grazing, rewilding or food production with solar. Innovation in this area is developing fast and some of these things are already possible, of course.

     

    The Council has, or is planning to, put solar panels on the roofs of all the buildings which it controls and which face the right way and is investigating the feasibility of doing so on its car parks. We can only encourage - not force – owners of existing buildings to do this and it’s great that so many are.  The current draft of the Local Plan promotes putting solar panels on new buildings and I believe the government is going to mandate this too. It will however be a very long time before every roof in Wealden has panels, if that ever happens, and time is not on our side.

     

    Meanwhile, we have to balance everything in the most sensible way that we can.

     

    Kind regards,

    James.

  • Share I am currently in the middle of buying a property at Mill cross in stone cross and have been told we can’t move in because there’s a dispute between you and Southern water but I haven’t been told much about it and wanted some information/ advice on the situation and if it’s a problem that is easily solved or might take some time as i was meant to move in last month, thank you on Facebook Share I am currently in the middle of buying a property at Mill cross in stone cross and have been told we can’t move in because there’s a dispute between you and Southern water but I haven’t been told much about it and wanted some information/ advice on the situation and if it’s a problem that is easily solved or might take some time as i was meant to move in last month, thank you on Twitter Share I am currently in the middle of buying a property at Mill cross in stone cross and have been told we can’t move in because there’s a dispute between you and Southern water but I haven’t been told much about it and wanted some information/ advice on the situation and if it’s a problem that is easily solved or might take some time as i was meant to move in last month, thank you on Linkedin Email I am currently in the middle of buying a property at Mill cross in stone cross and have been told we can’t move in because there’s a dispute between you and Southern water but I haven’t been told much about it and wanted some information/ advice on the situation and if it’s a problem that is easily solved or might take some time as i was meant to move in last month, thank you link

    I am currently in the middle of buying a property at Mill cross in stone cross and have been told we can’t move in because there’s a dispute between you and Southern water but I haven’t been told much about it and wanted some information/ advice on the situation and if it’s a problem that is easily solved or might take some time as i was meant to move in last month, thank you

    Omar Ibrahim asked 6 months ago

    Dear Mr Ibrahim.

    Apologies for my delay in responding. I have consulted with the Council's Planning team and they have asked me to inform you of the following website page Southern Water Stakeholder Group - Wealden District Council. This page explains how we 'Wealden District Council' are responsible for co-ordinating the Southern Water Local Authority Stakeholder Group which includes representatives from more than 20 councils across the south east.  Its main objective is to act as a platform for local authorities to come together across political party lines, to hold Southern Water (and their regulators) to account for the poor quality of our waterways and coastline. 

    It was set up in the aftermath of a catalogue of issues and follows our July 2022 Full Council motion to demand better quality information from Southern Water when it considered planning matters. Various meetings have taken place since the Group’s inception and continue to be ongoing. As an aside to this Group, we also have a smaller Working Group with one or two representatives from each County area who also meet regularly to work together to form a set of priorities/strategy, which are then reported back to the main Stakeholder Group. 

    This page shows the minutes or these meetings and any relevant press releases we have issued and letters to and from Government.

    I hope this information provides you with some detail as to our ongoing efforts to hold Southern Water (and their regulators) to account. For any questions directly related to planning applications please contact our development management team via planning@wealden.gov.uk 

    Kind Regards,

    James

Page last updated: 25 Sep 2025, 03:05 PM