Developer proposes to build 24 East Sussex homes

In an application submitted to Wealden District Council, developer Landström is seeking outline planning permission to build up to 24 homes on land to the south west of Bexhill Road.

The developer’s application stresses the need for new housing within Wealden and argues the scheme should benefit from the presumption in favour of residential development set out in national planning rules.

In a statement submitted as part of the application, a spokesman for the developer said: “There is a clear identified need for new residential development in Wealden district given the council’s significant undersupply of homes which has resulted in a deliverable housing land supply of only 3.83 years.”

The spokesman added: “It is clear that any adverse impacts arising from this development would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal and therefore outline planning permission should be granted in line with the presumption of development set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.”

The application goes on to set out how the development would share highway access with Ninfield’s Working Men’s Club and Landström is proposing to improve this route as part of the scheme.

It also says the final scheme would be expected to provide nine affordable homes.

While only validated last week, the application has already attracted several objections from local residents. Objectors’ concerns include infrastructure pressures, impact on the character of the area and potential harm to local habitats.

In a written objection, one local resident, Vicky Payne, said: “No. Just no. The character and fabric of our village is being destroyed by an excessive allocation of housing. There are already over 140 houses built or under construction, and another 60 with planning permission.

“The village does not have the infrastructure for many more additional residents.”

For further information on the development see application reference WD/2024/1034/MAO on the Wealden District Council website.