Henfield residents in 'Day of Action' in bid to halt new housing plans

Residents are concerned over developers’ proposals to build more than 1,000 new homes which, they say, would ‘change forever the heritage, nature and community of the village.’

Organised locally by the Campaign to Protect Rural Henfield, the event was one of 220 nationwide, supported by the Community Planning Alliance, drawing attention to developers seeking to build 1.5 million new houses to meet a national target set by the government.

Henfield villagers say that a number of planning applications for new housing have already been agreed but say developers choose to hold the land, in a ‘land-bank’, waiting for land prices to rise and for more economic conditions to build.

Campaign to Protect Rural Henfield spokesman Steve Bailey said: “Henfield has already had its fair share of speculative developments from developers hungry to build new housing on its green fields and pastures.

“The village Neighbourhood Plan is a 15-year document, written by local people, who understand the housing need, as well as the best places to build. Developers are riding roughshod over these plans and the government is helping them.

“We held a community day of action to protect our countryside with hundreds of local people attending to learn more about the issues we face and also to understand what they can do.

“With guest speakers explaining the impact of developments on water quality and flooding, as well as how the planning system is broken. However, working together we can challenge these ill thought through developments which will have such a devastating impact on village life and our natural environment. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, no houses are ever demolished to be replaced with green fields. “We will be attending the planning appeal meeting at Horsham District Council on April 28 where we have submitted a comprehensive written objection, representing the village in the face of the wealthy developers who have appealed to the Secretary of State.

“’We will do all in our power to protect our community, our environment and our heritage. Henfield really is under threat.”

As well as the serious housing message, the day included a range of entertainment for young and old.