Changing Places - Case Studies

Alfriston - Location

• Located in South East England, specifically in East Sussex between Lewes and Eastbourne

• The South Downs dominate the local topography, with Alfriston situated in the Cuckmere valley - surrounded by chalk downland and agricultural fields

• Located on the West bank of the Cuckmere river, it experiences heavy seasonal flooding as a result

• Its proximity to the A27 and many other large towns makes it accessible for tourism whilst remaining rural

Alfriston - Economy

• Largely tertiary sector on the high street - with consistent flow of tourists (local and international)

• Heavily reliant on heritage tourism and the hospitality sector, supported by its historic architecture

• Local business get steady visitor numbers (cafes, shops, restaurants). Seasonal dependence on tourism makes it vulnerable

• No secondary sector as most manufacturing jobs have relocated/gone out of business (e.g backsmith)

Alfriston - Demography

• High percentage of over 65 - 27.5% (national level 18%)

• Due to the quaint, rural setting of Alfriston. Many pensioners will settle there

• The high dependency ratio has led to community care for pensioners, making Alfriston's sense of place a tight-knit community one.

• Data suggests over 90% are British-born, pointing towards a homogenous population

Alfriston - Change since the 1800s

• Historically focused on the narrow high street - with pubs, inns and skilled crafts

• Beyond high street was agricultural land use

• Forward to the 1950s, there was a significant housing development to the West of Alfriston which gradually expanded up to today.

• The historical high street buildings have largely become listed to preserve Alfriston's place meaning.

Alfriston - Socio-economic factors

• Alfriston is placed at the 6th decile for deprivation, with the 10th decile being most well-off.

• This reflects both the well-off elderly population of Alfriston but also the limitations in transport, public amenities and retail opportunities.

Influences on Sense of Place

The Old Clergy House (Historical National Influence)

• 14th-century timber framed building that was the first property acquired by the National Trust in 1896 - for just £10

• Marks the start of the Trust’s national heritage conservation mission

• The restoration and ongoing maintenance preserves its original features while making the site accessible to visitors - serving as a major tourist attraction and an education resource

Influences on Sense of Place

Rathfinny Wine Estate (Local Scale)

Wine estate located in Alfriston. Roughly 500 acres and draws in tourists and locals from afar

• Economic boost - creates local jobs (vineyard, hospitality, tours) and attracts higher spending visitors

• Tourism pull - wine tours, tastings and events draws in more visitors outside of the season

• Landscape - the vineyard changes land use and the visual character of the surrounding downland. Positive sign of rural innovation, but may be an unwelcome alteration to traditional landscape for some

• Infrastructure pressures - increased visitor traffic and parking demand raise local concerns about congestion and environmental impact

• Sustainability - promotes sustainable viticulture, helping to reposition the area as a centre for quality rural produce

Influences on Sense of Place

Smuggling History (Historical local Influence)

• Smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries is a significant part of Alfriston’s historical narrative.

• This era is ingrained in the village’s identity and is a source of local pride

• Tales of smugglers and their activities are passed down through generations, keeping the history alive in the collective memory of the community.

• “The Smuggler’s Song” by Rudyard Kipling was inspired by smuggling in the region - highlighting the romantic and adventurous aspects of this history, contributing to its cultural significance.

Influences on Sense of Place

Housing Developments (Local Scale)

• The want for truly affordable rural housing continues to increase as demand for property in rural areas skyrockets with pressure from high income urban households and low levels of suitable development land supply.

• Two sites proposed: Allotments and Land at Kings Ride. Both located within the historical core of Alfriston (a designated conservation area) and closely related to several grade 2 listed buildings

• The eastern portion of the site is located within an area identified as fluvial flood zone, building here could lead to great economic loss.

• The public stakeholders would be against the building as it would bring increased congestion and affect the culture of the village, however local business owners may support it as it would mean more customers.

• Benefits of building new houses may include having a more diverse population and a kinder, more accepting community