Harmful extra fencing is removed from landscape
August 2, 2021
Fencing that was harming views of the South Downs landscape has been removed following a three-year enforcement case.
The Authority issued two enforcement notices at Lewes Racecourse after extra fencing was erected without planning permission .
The extra fencing (pictured above) ran horizontally to the approved fencing (pictured below), creating paddocks.
The racecourse is no longer used for competitive races, but is still used as an active training centre for horses.
The landowner initially failed to act on the notice to remove the additional fencing, sparking a three-year court case that has now been successfully resolved and potential criminal proceedings have also been dropped.
Heather Lealan, who manages the Authority’s enforcement team, said: “As well as sweeping vistas of the designated South Downs landscape, this site has cultural heritage significance having been a battlefield in medieval times.
“The extra fencing was unfortunately causing significant harm to the landscape and it meant we had to take swift and robust action.
“This is a significant result for the Authority, setting an important example in terms of the sensitivities around fencing in a protected landscape.
“It shows that no matter how long it takes we will pursue action where it is expedient and in the public interest to do so.”