Please make your points to Lewes: https://lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/LGR

and to Brighton, whose survey can be reached from the bottom of this page: https://yourvoice.brighton-hove.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/exploring-the-options-for-local-government-reorganisation

Points you can make are listed below.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Arguments for Kingston Ward Villages (Kingston, Rodmell, Piddinghoe, Falmer, Southease, Northease, Iford, Swanborough, St Ann Without) to stay with East Sussex County Council in Local Government Reorganisation

• These villages are fundamentally part of the Ouse Valley, a distinct geographical and ecological area largely contained within East Sussex. They should not be made part of a city.
   
• As settlements nestled within the South Downs National Park, their geographical and environmental considerations align perfectly with the park's broader management within East Sussex, rather than with an urban council like Brighton & Hove, whose focus is inherently different.  These unique downland villages are important both culturally and environmentally, having a rich and varied history.  Their character, history and landscape make them fundamentally different from urban areas.  Many villages have origins that go back centuries. They have maintained green gaps that help retain the distinct rural character of the communities, as well as support wildlife migration and biodiversity.  They are valued for tranquillity and low levels of light and noise pollution.
   
• The very name "Kingston near Lewes" explicitly highlights its geographical and historical association with Lewes, the county town of East Sussex.
   
• These villages maintain a strong rural character, defined by agricultural landscapes, open spaces, and unique biodiversity. They are not urban.
   
• These villages are part of the Ouse Valley and Downs County Council election division, which extends well into the rural heartland of East Sussex. Reorganisation would very expensively break these links.
   
• Kingston is an integral part of the Lewes parliamentary constituency. Shifting it to a different local authority would fragment this existing electoral and representative alignment.
   
• Lewes District Council, the current governing district authority for Newhaven, has a deep understanding of local needs and concerns, and has publicly and consistently objected to Brighton & Hove's proposed expansion.
   
• The villages have distinct rural governance needs, including planning for rural development, provision of rural services, and supporting agricultural communities. These differ significantly from those of a large urban authority, and are well understood by East Sussex County Council.
   
• These villages possess deep historical and cultural connections to Lewes, which has long served as the administrative, social, and cultural hub for the surrounding rural area within East Sussex. Kingston itself was mentioned in the Doomsday Book.  It is part of two sites of special scientific interest - the Lewes Brooks and Kingston Escarpment and Iford Hill.  Many of the villages are designated conservation areas - Kingston, Rodmell, Piddinghoe, Falmer, Iford, Southease.
   
• The distinct rural identity and strong community spirit of these villages are a cherished part of East Sussex's cultural landscape and heritage. Integrating them into a larger urban authority like Brighton & Hove would dilute this unique character and erase centuries of local heritage.
   
• Primary transport links are oriented towards Lewes: access to schools, local shopping, healthcare, and social activities, is primarily oriented towards Lewes and other nearby East Sussex towns, rather than Brighton.
   
• Public transport routes, local road networks and active travel routes are integrated and largely connect these villages within the existing East Sussex framework.