Urban sprawl fears for Sussex countryside (From The Argus)
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Urban sprawl fears for Sussex countryside
7:50am Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Sarah Trotter
People fear urban sprawl as development between Haywards Heath and Cuckfield is given the green light.
The building of a large old people's home on the strategic gap of green space at Butler's Green was approved by Mid Sussex District Council on January 26.
Councillor Gary Marsh, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “It was not an easy decision but ultimately, the high demand for these facilities and the many benefits they will bring to the local community was deemed the most important consideration.”
Coun Marsh went on to say Mid Sussex has a growing population of older residents and accommodation dedicated to the care of older people is in short supply.
Speaking before the planning approval, Cuckfield parish councillor, Stephen Blanch, said: “The strategic gap is extremely important in preserving Cuckfield's identity.”
He added that building in this area could create a domino effect, eventually causing Cuckfield to merge with Haywards Heath.
The home on Butler's Green will have up to 80 rooms with an extra dementia facility and an Age UK activity centre.
Conservative MP for Mid Sussex, Nicholas Soames, said: “I understand there is a particular need for dementia care which this facility may be able to provide.
“Together with the possibility of an improved community space for the elderly in the form of Age Concern there are some real potential positives from this scheme.”
Many residents objected to the proposal on grounds including its size and impact on the rural area.
Spokesman of nearby Bolnore Farm Lane Residents Association, Paul Andrews, said: “We are not suggesting there shouldn't be provision for the elderly here, but there is ample provided locally within 1km.”
Mr Andrews added that the increase of traffic to the congested A272 into Haywards Heath and the impact on the environment were concerns.
Developer Neil Mantell said he was responding to a massive need for elderly provision in Mid Sussex and was retaining the rural side with a “green lung” of land.
The application was originally recommended for a refusal, which Mr Mantell believed was in response to residents' reactions.
