November 20 2014.


Norman Baker is questioning the legitimacy of the disposal of a former primary school site in Newhaven and if there is adequate provision of school places within the town.

A consultation by East Sussex County Council is currently under way with regard to the disposal of the former Western Road site of Harbour Primary School.

The ESCC consultation says: “The playing fields at the former Western Road site of Harbour Primary School, Western Road, Newhaven are now surplus to requirements and we would like to dispose of them. We would like to hear your views, and in particular those of the local community, to ensure that we have not overlooked any other opportunities for the use of the playing field.”

However, Norman Baker has raised a number of questions about the proposed disposal and future needs of Newhaven for additional school places, writing to East Sussex County Council for clarification of their actions.

Norman says: “I have heard from local residents, and share their concerns, that the future of Newhaven is not being taken into consideration in the disposal of this site.

"This land was bequeathed by former resident Dr. Gray to the people of Newhaven and I want to ensure that Newhaven residents are to receive the best possible outcome.”

In a letter to East Sussex County Council Norman has asked:

•?Can you confirm that no decision has been made by East Sussex County Council pending the closure of this consultation?

•? As you recognise, you require permission from the Education Secretary to dispose of the playing fields. Can you indicate to me when you intend to seek this permission?

•? Can you also confirm if you are seeking to dispose of the building as well?

•? What assessment have you made of the adequacy of school places in the future in Newhaven, and what account have you taken of the hundreds of new houses in the pipeline?

•? If disposal does proceed, will there be undertaken to guarantee that the sums raised will be reinvested in Newhaven?

•? If the land is disposed of for housing purposes, can you guarantee that this will be allocated for social and affordable housing?

East Sussex County Council are asking for people’s views, and in particular those of the local community, to ensure that any other opportunities for the use of the playing field have not been overlooked. The consultation runs from 24 Oct 2014 to 12 Dec 2014