A village pressure group has submitted a request to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government asking for a planning application to be called in.

On Sunday, October 18, Village Concerns asked for the Hesmonds Stud hybrid scheme, WD/2025/0376/MAJ for up to 275 new homes, to be examined by the Secretary of State under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990.

A spokesperson said: "Our primary reason for doing so is that the Wealden Local Plan Regulation Submission contains new information relating to the above application and we believe that consideration of this application during the Regulation 19 Consultation raises issues of national importance. Its determination would be prejudicial to the Local Plan, local democracy and the Secretary of State's Local Plan Enquiry Inspector.

"If the call in is accepted, the statements of the case and all relevant documentation will enter the public domain, but as yet this is not the case."

Proposed development site at land off South Street, East Hoathly. Image: Fluid London

placeholder image — Proposed development site at land off South Street, East Hoathly. Image: Fluid London

Village Concerns has highlighted what they describe as an excessive number of housing developments being imposed on a quiet, rural village with poor infrastructure and limited access. As well as the Hesmonds Stud scheme, there is also a proposal for 17 new homes east of South Street and potentially 205 homes on land in London Road.

Heightening their concerns is a proposal for up to 4441 houses, designated the Oakleigh Garden Community at Halland, a mile on the western side of the A22.

Developers say the new schemes would be landscape led and provide accommodation for all ages and demographics. They would integrate local natural environments and incorporate existing green infrastructure. There would be sustainable connections and new community facilities.