Homes on Luxford Field?

SMALL homes and flats could be built on the Luxford Field in Uckfield to increase levels of activity in town and give a greater sense of safety and vitality, suggests the first draft of the new Wealden Local Plan.

This is one option suggested for public discussion on the future of the field in the document which was considered by members of the district council's two development control sub-committees on Tuesday.

Other options include:

Retaining and improving the existing recreation ground;

Providing community-based facilities, including health care;

Building retail and small business units;

Providing a new supermarket or allowing expansion of the existing adjacent supermarket, or

A mixed-use scheme, which could incorporate all or some of the options listed.

'Whilst the importance of Luxford Field in terms of public open space is acknowledged its potential for development offers an opportunity for a comprehensive re-modelling of the town centre,' says the draft plan.

It goes on to say any development scheme would need to ensure the provision of a replacement playing field at a suitable location elsewhere in the town.

An element of public open space would also need to be retained within the scheme itself, whether grass for active recreation or a paved civic square. The latter could be linked with the existing Civic Centre to provide a focus for outdoor community events. 'Clearly any future development scheme would need to be integrated, both physically and visually, with the existing town centre and reinforce Uckfield's distinctive identity and sense of place,' says the document.

The possible future uses of the Luxford Field is just one area where the input of local people and organisations is to be sought before a decision is made on how best to develop the town centre.

Other key factors which need to be addressed include flooding, highways, railways and car parking, says the first draft of the local plan.

Under the heading of railways the plan highlights the improvement expected in service between Uckfield and Hurst Green once new rolling stock is introduced. It says this could lead to an increase in passenger numbers and demand for improved station facilities including additional car parking.

The report points out that the route of the former Uckfield-Lewes railway line is protected by policies in both the adopted Local Plan and the Structure Plan. It says the long term aim of re-instating this line has implications in terms of future requirements for a level crossing in the High Street and possibly a new railway station to accommodate additional services.

Discussion on highways could include a one-way gyratory road system involving the lower High Street, former railway station land and the area between the River Uck and the Bell Lane roundabout.

But, the plan says, a new circulatory road system would have a significant visual impact and make journeys to the town centre by foot and bicycle more difficult.

'There is also a risk that, by creating an - island - situation, such a system may affect the viability of the shops and services in Bell Walk. Careful consideration would also be needed to avoid prejudicing the future reinstatement of the Uckfield-Lewes railway.' Public consultation on the first draft of the Local Plan is due to begin in January.