Ninfield residents’ opposition to plans to build 70 new homes

More than 200 people turned up on Saturday (August 1) at St Mary’s churchyard, Ninfield to show their support for a campaign launched against the scheme.

Thakeham Homes Ltd has submitted an application to Wealden District Council for permission to build 70 houses, including parking, landscaping, tree and infrastructure works, and a new access from Downs View.

But residents in the village fear the loss of green space.

Samantha Guard, who lives in the village, said: “The walks along Church Path, and into the woods, through the fields, have been an absolute godsend to the residents through the Covid-19 lockdown. The countryside has helped the health and wellbeing of so many who have discovered these views and landscapes, or rediscovered them after having little time through busy lives.

“We mean to show the developers that Ninfield needs, and must keep, this green space.

“Ninfield has enough large housing estates already passed, which it cannot sustain nor support.

“These extra 70 houses is only Phase 1, as if this application gets the go-ahead, then Phase 2 will go forward, taking in the rest of the fields on the south side of the High Street and adding a possible further 70 to 100 houses.

“The percentage increase on the size of the village is massive and that is why the residents came out on Saturday to make their dismay and disapproval felt.”

In its design and access statement, Thakeham Homes Ltd said: “Our ambition is to create a highly sustainable and high quality residential development at land south of High Street, Ninfield.

“The development is designed around a sequence of attractive green spaces. A range of materials and detailing creates a visually impressive and high-quality addition to Ninfield, which is both distinctive and responsive to the local character.

“The proposed development provides a mix of dwellings contributing to much-needed housing in the local area.”

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