Countryside to be swamped by new homes

Mid Sussex has been told to expect the extra development in a report by an independent inspector, appointed by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears.

These will be in addition to the 15,000 properties already set to be built in the district over the next 20 years - and 80 per cent will be constructed on greenfield sites.

Villagers in Lindfield have told The Argus they fear overcrowding after the inspector added a binding clause to build 120 homes in an area behind Newton Road.

A planning application for that amount of properties at the greenfield site has already been received and will be discussed by the parish council next Wednesday.

Margaret Hersey, who represents Lindfield on the district council, said: "It's come as a real shock.

"Our fear all along has been that Lindfield will be overdeveloped and we're disappointed we didn't have a chance to fight this because the inspector's decision is binding."

Mid Sussex District Council spent three years in consultations before sending their draft report to the Government, recommending 15 sites.

But while the inspector agreed parts of Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead should be developed he then added four of his own.

Villagers in Lindfield, Cuckfield and Crawley Down said they were shocked to find their areas had been recommended at the last minute.

Barbara Binge, who represents Cuckfield, said: "This means over development for Mid Sussex. It's going to be concreted over.

"It's a desperate situation. There's a lot of beautiful land here that's under a real threat. We're expecting all these homes and they are already pointing to greenfield sites.

"We have to say 'no, enough is enough' but it's going to be a real fight."

The inspector added land at Dunnings Mill Squash Club, East Grinstead; land south of Grange Road, Crawley Down; land north of Chatfield Road, Cuckfield; and land to the rear of Newton Road Lindfield.

Homes in each will be built over the next nine years, in addition to the 15,000 new homes Mid Sussex is expected to take as part of the Government's South East Plan by 2026.

The greenfield sites allocated are: Land south of The Old Convent, Moat Road East Grinstead - 70 homes Land adjoining Moatfield Surgery, St Michaelís Road, East Grinstead - 17 homes Land at Gravelye Lane / Lyoth Lane, Lindfield - 65 homes Land north of Maltings Park, Burgess Hill - 105 homes Land adjacent to Manor Road, Burgess Hill - 123 homes Folders Meadow, Burgess Hill - 90 homes Keymer Tile Works, Burgess Hill - 250 homes in one phase (225 expected in second) Land west of Mackie Avenue, Hassocks - 130 homes Land south of Grange Road, Crawley Down - 98 homes Land north west of Chatfield Road, Cuckfield - 42 homes Land rear of Newton Road, Lindfield - 120 homes, to include an area of informal open space, new woodland and landscaping.

The previously developed sites are: Land at Windmill Lane / London Road junction, East Grinstead - 35 homes Dunnings Mill Squash Club, East Grinstead - 40 homes Sandrocks, Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath - 65 homes Covers Timber Yard, Burgess Hill - 18 homes The former Gas Holder Station Site, Leylands Road, Burgess Hill - 58 homes Station Goods Yard, Hassocks - 60 homes, as part of a mixed use development.

David Carden, town clerk at Burgess Hill Town Council, said residents would be pleased with the report, with eyesores such as the former gasworks in Leylands Road set to be developed.

Steve Tilbury, planning officer at the district council, said: "In practice it's only in this particular case that 80 per cent will be greenfield sites.

"When you are looking at that 15,000 we are expecting a far higher proportion will be built on brownfield areas."

The Inspectorís conclusions are expected to be adopted by Mid Sussex District Council at its meeting in February.

Lindfield Parish Council will meet to discuss the planning application by Gleeson Homes in the King Edward Hall on Wednesday at 8pm.