Don’t Urbanise the Downs Information Day in Plumpton a huge success – more planned in Lewes, Ditchling and Chailey
The Don’t Urbanise the Downs public Information Day held in Plumpton earlier this month was a massive success with scores of people turning up to learn more about Eton’s plans to build a huge new 3,000-house new town between East Chiltington, Plumpton and Chailey.
Campaign members were on hand to chat to visitors about Eton’s scheme and what it will mean for the local area in terms of environmental harm, traffic chaos, pollution and water depletion.
Don’t Urbanise the Downs campaign leader Steve Needham said: “It's vital that local people are fully informed about the scale and proximity of Eton's proposed development. If the scheme goes ahead, East Chiltington, Chailey and Plumpton would be engulfed in one huge urban sprawl - and the knock-on effect of such a huge development would have a massive impact far beyond the actual site at North Barnes Farm.
“This 455-acre site is right on the border of the South Downs National Park; a town here would absolutely devastate a very tranquil area of rural Sussex. It would cause irreversible harm to the environment, and – with an estimated 3.5 million extra vehicle journeys a year - cause absolute traffic hell.
Placards .. and donations
As well as chatting to visitors, campaign supporters were also busy at the September 12 event putting together Don’t Urbanise the Downs roadside placards. The signs are very effective and a key way of raising awareness about Eton’s plans. If you are able to put up a placard in a prominent roadside location, please do request one via the online form on our website. We are also actively seeking donations - to pay for placards and other campaign costs. If you’re able to contribute - even a little bit - please do visit our donations page.
Steve added: “It’s really important that people understand the impact that this town would have on their lives. The threat is very real and very imminent. Eton have said they are putting in a planning application this year and they have already carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report and launched a PR campaign. We need as much support as possible to fight it.”
Further Information Day dates
Three more Information Days are now planned in Chailey, Lewes and Ditchling. The events will take place in November and full details will
