Homes plan fails

An appeal by developers Oakdene Homes against Wealden District Council's refusal of planning permission for the houses in Love Lane was dismissed by Government Inspector Maureen Taylor.

She said the development once a dairy depot would result in an loss of business land.

She admitted that Love Lane and nearby Station Road were predominantly residential but said: 'A suitable business use would not be incompatible with surrounding land uses.'

Her report said there was interest from a local GP for a surgery on the site, and the parish council had argued for the development of a community health centre there.