King Charles’ new coastal path is said to be under threat from a major new development just weeks after its grand unveiling.
The move sparked anger among local residents, as protesters have warned the plans risk “eroding the natural character” of the area.
Protesters hit out at proposals to build 30 homes on a field next to the site where the British monarch, 77, inaugurated England’s coastal path at the famous Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex.
Lewes District Council has submitted plans for affordable housing at Chyngton Field, a 2.7 hectare site on the edge of Seaford.
The proposal has sparked fierce opposition from residents, conservation groups and hikers who fear it will damage an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The field is just behind a ridge from the Cuckmere Coastguard huts, an iconic row of buildings overlooking the Seven Sisters that has become one of the most photographed locations in Britain.
King Charles chose this stretch of coast as the setting to launch the 2,700-mile coastal path, which has the distinction of being the world’s longest.
Recently, a large number of protesters surrounded the pitch to voice their opposition. They argued that new housing should be built on brownfield sites instead of pristine areas rich in biodiversity.
Rupert Kirby, one of those who oppose the scheme, told The Times: “Developing this site would erode the natural character of a nationally significant landscape, setting a worrying precedent for future encroachment on protected areas.
“This is not about opposing development in principle, it’s about putting it in the right place.”
The National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Seaford Town Council have all formally objected to the proposals.
A National Trust spokesman said: “The natural environment is one of the district’s greatest assets. We want to see the setting of the South Downs National Park preserved and protected, particularly its landscape qualities, wildlife and its dark skies, and we believe this applies to Chyngton Field.”
The South Downs National Park Authority has identified it as a Conservation Area intended to support wildlife conservation efforts.
A petition calling for the council to reconsider its plans has attracted more than 3,000 signatures.
A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: “We have held a series of consultations across the district which gave residents the opportunity to contribute to the development of the local plan. Tens of thousands of people have shared their thoughts and opinions through the various consultations over the years and we are grateful to them all.”
