A local resident has raised objections to plans for a cold storage facility to house deer carcasses on protected farmland in the Wealden area, warning of potential breaches of planning rules alongside sanitation and highway safety concerns.

Thomas Eastwood has applied for retrospective approval to keep a mobile caravan, demolish worn-out structures, and install a shipping-container style refrigerated unit for venison at a site known as Drakes Head Den situated along Brick Kiln Lane.

In a formal complaint filed with Wealden District Council, nearby homeowner D J Pedder argues the submission lacks specifics about managing waste produced during deer processing operations.

Mr Pedder highlighted that the documentation offers no details about disposal of materials including blood, internal organs, skins, heads and feet generated from the operation.

Reports indicate the site has no electrical supply or piped water services, raising public health alarms given the nature of the proposed activities.

Mr Pedder questioned how refrigeration could function without utilities and what sanitary protocols would be implemented.

The land sits within an area covered by an Article 4 Direction, which restricts certain land uses typically allowed on agricultural holdings.

Mr Pedder pointed out that no substantive agricultural enterprise has been demonstrated at the location. He added that Hadlow Down does not need another commercial operation.

Mr Pedder further warned that business growth could lead to extra vehicular traffic.

He noted the scheme would bring more vehicles to an already substandard rural lane.

The plans also encompass demolition of unsafe, decaying buildings currently on the premises.

Mr Pedder observed these structures apparently deteriorated within just five to six years.

The proposal includes establishing a temporary living facility comprising a 16-foot touring caravan.

The caravan would serve farm-related duties, attendance at shows and family occasions, but would not constitute year-round accommodation.

Mr Eastwood clarified that the vehicle would occupy the land for no longer than 60 days annually, adhering to regulations governing temporary structures exempt from planning permission.

Nonetheless, Mr Pedder maintains the submission is incomplete and fails to address relevant planning precedents.

He stated that a similar caravan request had previously been reviewed and dismissed by the council.