On 20 Feb 2021 at 11:33am Lewes walker wrote:
Seems a shame. Bought by property developer through a bunch of companies who is now turning it into a campsite, holiday lets and planning weddings. A community or campaign feels like smoke and mirrors. Good to see the work starting with no planning permission! Seems a shame in a national park.
On 20 Feb 2021 at 1:49pm Formerly AC-T wrote:
Have you got a link for this, please?
On 20 Feb 2021 at 4:38pm Lewes walker wrote:
Facebook page the old racecourse.
All the old stables have been ripped out to be converted to holiday lets
New rights of way are for a campsite and no horses allowed ironically. Foundations for toilets already in. No planning submitted for any of it. All about developing the land
On 20 Feb 2021 at 11:09pm pickle wrote:
Sounds like a great idea!
On 21 Feb 2021 at 10:27am Nevillman wrote:
Can you be more specific please Lewes walker. I can't find anything about it on the Facebook site.
On 21 Feb 2021 at 11:33am Lewes walker wrote:
I know. Nothing public no planning. All being passed off as rewilding. Foundations for a toilet block went in this week. Burying landfill. Property developers. Just do what they want.
On 21 Feb 2021 at 11:56am Tom Pain wrote:
No surprise to me, a council whistle blower who wishes to remain anonymous but he was a football referee, tells me that engineering work is imminent on the Winterbourne Stream. It's being rewilded to a raging torrent to facilitate white water kayaking sports.
On 22 Feb 2021 at 4:35pm David Stanley wrote:
I've been camping in the woods for years but don't tell anyone.....
On 23 Feb 2021 at 11:14pm Tom Pain wrote:
Dear me David, I hope you weren't one of those young men Aunt Patricia found camping at the bottom of her garden in Forest Row.
On 24 Feb 2021 at 7:51pm Unconvinced wrote:
Sounds like scaremongering to me Lewes walker (sic) but there again it also sounds like just the sort of project the South Down National Park Authority will love!
On 24 Feb 2021 at 8:18pm David Stanley wrote:
Well seeing as it hasn't been a racecourse for over 50 years it's not exactly a "hasty" development....as treebeard might say.
On 25 Feb 2021 at 11:47am jamesoliver1970 wrote:
I am the evil and wicked property developer planning to destroy the racecourse!! Not...
Most of the rumours being spread are false or at least exaggerated, probably best to keep an eye on our FB page for accurate updates.
In the meantime here’s a some facts direct from the horses mouth so to speak:
A small Eco friendly mid range campsite is being considered, probably around half a dozen army style tents.
Crossing points have been put in to provide better access in designated places.
The latter connect with footpaths where horses aren’t permitted, giving pedestrians more options when accessing the Downs, useful when it’s muddy!
More grazing is planned for the new Livery yard operator moving up here soon.
The non original stables walls in what was the Totalisators building have been removed as part of a restoration project before I try and find one or more equestrian businesses to occupy it.
Wouldn’t rule out other types of business which might require planning consent, such as a catering company, joinery workshop, artists studio, etc. Might be a few local companies relocating now The Phoenix looks set to go ahead...
Also wouldn’t rule out holiday letting but am absolutely not planning on extinguishing the ‘working farm’/commercial vibe of the north end of the site.
Maybe a ‘pop up’ converted horse box selling cold refreshments close to the buildings?
Any works being undertaken are permitted development and don’t require planning consent. Applications for anything requiring consent will be submitted soon and anyone can comment on those online.
We’re keen to try and support the wildlife and bio diversity, replant broken hedge lines, etc.
This is a summary of our objectives:
* Diversify in order to raise funds for the maintenance of the site.
* Preserve equestrian use.
* Improve the biodiversity and natural habitats on and around the site.
* Improve relations between pedestrians and riders.
* Create better access for the local community.
Hoping for a community event in the summer, please follow the FB page where any constructive criticism or supporting comments are very welcome. I don’t look at Lewes Forum that much, so guess we’re at the mercy of any ‘trolls’ or detractors...
Time will tell whether our plans benefit the site and the Lewes community.
James and Claire
On 3 Mar 2021 at 1:32pm Mark1234 wrote:
thanks to James and Claire for providing a comprehensive update. i appreciate it. I have a question. Are you intending to apply for expanded access to whatever facilities are approved by motor vehicles and also, are you intending to apply for car parking facilities - by expanded i mean in addition to the current access that residents up at the racecourse have. This seems to me to be a really important question as one of the benefits of the area is the lack of traffic and associated noise and pollution. Clarification on that would be appreciated. thanks.
On 8 Mar 2021 at 9:01pm Local99 wrote:
What FB page is that then?
On 4 May 2021 at 11:28am ClaireORC wrote:
Hi Mark1234
Thanks for your message
No we are not applying for more car parking facilities.
You may have seen with the bar we don't allow vehicular access at all
With the camping in the future, we are looking at very low numbers (6ish) and will be encouraging people if they arrive in a car to park for the duration of their stay. The traffic is less than when it was a training yard up here..jockeys , deliveries etc
We both live up here so extra vehicular traffic is definitely not desirable
Best Wishes
Claire & James