Parameters set before link road enquiry

The inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Orders, beginning at the White Rock Theatre in November, is the public's last chance to influence the outcome of the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road scheme, due to start construction next summer.

Christopher Tipping, inspector for the planning inspectorate, is presiding over the inquiry. Speaking in the De La Warr Pavilion on Thursday he said: "I am going to be concerned with balancing the benefits the county council claim for the road with the impact local people say it will have on their lives."

Eighteen people registered a desire to object during the inquiry before Mr Tipping moved proceedings on, explaining there would be time for people to register at a later date, and that: "it isn't now or never."

A round of applause, swiftly silenced, greeted one lady who bent the rules by claiming ESCC had "no right" to publish their claim that a strong majority of locals supported the scheme.

Several times Mr Tipping quashed those who used procedural questions as a platform for objecting.

Another woman highlighted the 242 letters of objection received by the inspector prior to Thursday's meeting, saying they did not compare with the 2,000-plus figure sent to ESCC.

Five letters supporting the road were mentioned, though none of the authors made themselves known.

Though the inquiry specifically examines the three different types of Compulsory Purchase Order sent out by East Sussex County Council, Mr Tipping indicated there would be some scope for related matters, saying objectors were better off voicing their opinions if they were in any doubt about their relevance.

He will hear the case from both sides before writing a report and submitting it to the Secretary of State. For him to recommend the CPOs, he must be satisfied there is "compelling need in the public interest" to interfere in the lives of those affected.

The inquiry begins on November 10 at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, when ESCC will call 14 witnesses to give evidence on topics including planning, ecology and engineering. After each witness, people will have the opportunity to cross examine. If any link road supporter chooses to appear, the same procedure will then applied to them.

Objectors are then given the opportunity to present their case, and are available for questioning afterwards in the same way. Finally, ESCC will give a closing statement.

Though the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, it would be unusual for the inspector's recommendation to be ignored.

Notes of the meeting, along with programming forms, are being sent this week to those who have registered an interest in the link road.

Dr John Thurston, previously of Actons Farm in Buckholt Lane, says that moving to Horsham has given him an objective view of proceedings, and he will forward an alternative route he has found.

He said: "Quite frankly, the inquiry is a waste of time. If this route was listened to, it wouldn't be necessary." He claims his route, up Dorset Road, around the west end of the Pebsham estate, alongside Harleyshute and joining Queensway towards the Crowhurst Bridge, would require no disputes over property.

Anyone wishing to speak at the inquiry should follow the instructions on the programming form, returning them by September 18 to the parties mentioned on the form.

To get a form contact Lynette Duncan, programme officer, at lynet [email protected]