PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

from Horam & Vines Cross Village Diary

SUSSEX FREE RANGE EGGS

Many residents are saying that Horam has had more than its fair share of new housing development in the last few years. No sooner has “Merrydown Village” been absorbed, it was quickly followed by “Four Seasons”, “Rosemead Place” and now “The Willows” (just before the new Crematorium), which have added a further 234 dwellings. Also, more is to come, with recent planning permissions, including for:

- 38 dwellings on the south side of Horebeech Lane

- several sites off Chiddingly Road, totalling some 85 dwellings

Thankfully, a proposal to build on the field between Rosemead and Laundry Lane (crossed by the footpath) has been refused. Thanks go to the many residents who wrote letters or signed the petition, and to our new District Councillors whose representations at Wealden’s Planning Committee (on top of our own) helped to secure this.

The pressure from landowners and developers is relentless though.

Of course, there is a need for new housing nationally, but we are often finding that not enough attention is given to local needs, maintaining the distinctive character of places, or the capacity of infrastructure - like doctors, dentists, drainage, or roads.

However, local residents can have a bigger say in what happens if they have their own “neighbourhood plan”. The Parish Council began this process a couple of years ago and has now produced a first Draft Horam Neighbourhood Plan (HNP). It can be viewed online (see below), while an exhibition and drop-in sessions have been held.

The key to the Neighbourhood Plan’s effectiveness will be demonstrating that it carries broad support within the community. So, to help ensure change in the parish for the better, please read the Draft Plan and complete the online questionnaire - see www. horam.com (or pick one up from Samuels Estate Agents in the High Street) - and submit it before the consultation closes on 3rd July. Thank you.

David Marlow & Sue Lane (HNP Steering Group members)

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