Hassocks residents urged to vote in neighbourhood plan referendum

Ian Cumberworth, parish clerk, said: “For several years the parish council and local people have worked on a plan for our parish.

“Since starting to prepare our plan, permission has been given, or sanctioned by a government inspector, for many more new homes than we originally planned.

“The parish council and many residents campaigned hard against Ham Fields, Friars Oak and North of Clayton Mills developments but were unsuccessful. In spite of these setbacks, and after careful consideration of the pros and cons, the council concluded that we should proceed with the plan which gives us the best chance to control our future.”

He explained a government inspector has approved the draft Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan and recommended it goes to a local referendum because the law requires it should receive residents’ support.

The final version of the plan, containing amendments recommended by the inspector, is on both Hassocks Parish Council and Mid Sussex District Council websites. Paper copies can be viewed in the parish centre.

It contains strong policies to protect countryside gaps between Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Hurstpierpoint and Ditchling and designates valuable Local Green Spaces as well as housing, environmental and design policies.

Everyone eligible to vote in Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton can take part. If most are in favour of the plan it will be adopted. If most vote against it will not.

Plan working group chairman Bill Hatton said: “The overwhelming advantage to our village is the protection of a neighbourhood plan.

“Not having one places the village at greater risk of more unplanned development. We know Hassocks is a great place to live and raise our families. So do developers.

"Developer interest is strong and if our plan is rejected we will have far less ability to control our future and protect our environment.”