Bluebell to use £700k grant to boost green credentials

THE Bluebell Railway has been given £692,500 to build a tunnel beneath its line so that people can access the countryside beyond it.

The tunnel is due to plans for 200 houses within four miles of Ashdown Forest and a requirement for the developer to create and maintain a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (known as a SANG).

This Mid-Sussex District Council policy aims to protect the forest from excessive visitor numbers which “could affect the protected bird species that nest in the forest” by providing other natural spaces to visit.

The one-off payment will enable the creation of a new SANG just of Turners Hill Road, at Hill Place Farm, East Grinstead. Developer Taylor Wimpey and Vistry is to build 200 new homes at Hill Place Farm.

The council’s cabinet member for planning, Coun Robert Salisbury, said: “Natural England has advised the council that one of the best ways to protect Ashdown Forest from increasing visitor numbers is to provide alternative areas for people to visit. That’s why, whenever developers want to build new homes within seven kilometres of Ashdown Forest, they are required to provide Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace or funding towards the improvement of an existing one.

“The new SANG at Hill Place Farm is a wonderful place for local people to relax, exercise, and enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s fantastic for people to have such beautiful green spaces right on our doorstep and it will only get better over the years as more improvements are made.

“We are grateful to the Bluebell Railway for supporting public access throughout the SANG site and I hope this funding helps the railway in its efforts to switch to more sustainable energy sources.

“The Bluebell Railway is one of the foremost tourist attractions in our district and plays a vital role in preserving our heritage.

“The council has provided funding to the Bluebell Railway in advance so it isn’t required to wait for developer funding to come through and is able to progress immediately with the plans to improve the railway.

“The council will then retain the financial contributions made by developer until the advance has been repaid.”

Bluebell Railway plc chairman Geoff Mee said: “We have always prided ourselves on looking after the environment along the line in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We will use this money to improve our environmental credentials by placing solar panels on top of some of our buildings in order to reduce our rapidly increasing business energy costs.”

The SANG is divided into two parts, with the Bluebell e running through the middle. It includes grassland habitats and natural woodlands, and benefits from stunning views of the railway’s landmark Imberhorne Lane viaduct.

“We have always prided ourselves on looking after the environment along the line in this Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty.”