East Hoathly

Development proposals: ‘Village Concerns’ is an East Hoathly with Halland Action Group. It will monitor new housing proposals for our parish and will seek information to endorse or challenge the plans, so as to ensure that sustainable housing development is upheld without undue over-development.

Wealden District Council is considering plans for the parish to double in size over the next 5 years. There is concern that housing development in the parish is being led by developers rather than being considered within the context of a strategic plan that carefully evaluates local needs; the capacity of the infrastructure; and prevents the loss of the distinctive village character and the destruction of the local landscape and wildlife.

The Action Group is independent of the East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council. It was started by a few residents who were deeply worried about the real threat of overdevelopment. A Steering Committee coordinates its activities and a Constitution sets out the fundamental principles of Village Concerns governance. Villagers have been encouraged to join an email group ([email protected]) and a blog has been created (www.villageconcerns2016.co.uk) in order to help disseminate planning information. They are 186 strong.

It is understood that the first of these developments for a proposed 211 homes on Hesmonds Stud land on the London and Waldron Roads of East Hoathly was submitted on the 11th of November to Wealden District Council. When it appears on the Planning section of the WDC website, there will be only have 4 weeks to object to the plans if that if that is what residents want to do.

If residents do wish to object to this amount of new homes in the village please be diligent and understand that this could be the first of at least three, if not more, developments in the village, so it is important for you to raise your voice and be heard loud and clear in the Wealden District Council planning committees.

Winter Wonderland: You are warmly invited to East Hoathly CE School and Nursery’s Christmas event today (Friday 9th December) from 3:15 to 6pm in the Village Hall with the School Choir performing at 5pm. There will be festive wines and spirits delicious food a grotto tombola gifts and games stalls children’s activities the draw of the giant a and the results of the silent auction

Christmas Shop: Hidden below the Village Stores is the bricked and arched Georgian cellars is an extraordinary collection of festive goods not normally found in any supermarket at competitive prices. As well as confectionary, biscuits, cheeses condiments and gifts you can order local free-range venison turkeys and traditional hams. Hampers can also be made up to order. The shop is open from 8am to 6pm and there will be a late night shopping event on Wednesday 15th December.

This coming SUNDAY, 20th NOVEMBER, the Society are leading their monthly walk and are starting from The Green Man in Ringmer at 2.00pm. The circular walk will head over the fields towards Upper Stoneham and Malling and will head back towards the pub by via the foot of Malling Down. Everyone is very welcome to come along. Dogs on leads please. It’s November - be prepared for mud! Further details or if you would like a lift, please call Jenny on 872830.

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