Plans for 725 new homes on Haywards Heath Golf Course ‘will destroy beautiful countryside’

Plans for up to 725 new homes on Haywards Heath Golf Course ‘will destroy beautiful countryside and result in the loss of a much-valued leisure facility’.
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These were the words of campaigners this week who are fighting against the plans which have been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council.

Developer Fairfax is proposing to demolish the clubhouse and adjacent buildings and replace them with the new homes – 30 per cent of which would be affordable.

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Associated infrastructure including leisure and community facilities are also planned.

Liz Evans and Sarah Munday (front) and  nearby residents. Photo by Steve RobardsLiz Evans and Sarah Munday (front) and  nearby residents. Photo by Steve Robards
Liz Evans and Sarah Munday (front) and nearby residents. Photo by Steve Robards

Campaigners Liz Evans and Sarah Munday said: “This appears to be just phase 1 of a project that looks likely to build well over 1,000 houses, once the rest of the available land is put up for planning and development. 

“This will result in another Bolnore Village-sized development on the edge of Lindfield, destroying beautiful countryside edged by ancient woodland, and resulting in the loss of a much-valued leisure facility, used by many more local residents than just the members of the golf club. 

“Such is the value of Haywards Heath Golf Club and land to the local community, Mid Sussex District Council designated the golf club as an Asset of Community Value at the end of 2019.

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“This was designated on the basis of evidence submitted showing the many ways in which it is valued – as a venue for local residents and businesses; as an excellent golfing facility for both members and non-members, including local schoolchildren; and as a destination for the many ramblers and dog walkers who enjoy the many footpaths that run across the land. 

Residents campaigning against plans for homes at Haywards Heath Golf Course. Photo by Steve RobardsResidents campaigning against plans for homes at Haywards Heath Golf Course. Photo by Steve Robards
Residents campaigning against plans for homes at Haywards Heath Golf Course. Photo by Steve Robards

“Although the ACV status was recently overturned on the second appeal by the landowners, we believe this was on a technicality and not on the substance of the application. 

“A second, amended ACV application has just been submitted which we expect to be granted.”

Liz and Sarah have set up an online petition opposing the plans which at the time of going to press has collected 698 signatures.

‘High-quality’ scheme planned

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Fairfax says that it has worked closely and in conjunction with Haywards Heath Golf Club Limited, Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council to develop a ‘high-quality and sustainable scheme’ for the redevelopment of the golf course.

It says the development has been designed so that the properties are dispersed into parcels, with the density reducing towards the north of the site.

The majority of the homes will be two-storey and traditional in form, it says. Apartments will be no more than three-storeys high, ‘ensuring that the development sits comfortably in this location’.

“The result is a highly sustainable and deliverable development in a location that can accommodate and support this level of new housing,” it says in a public consultation information leaflet. Within the scheme a central ‘hub’ is proposed that will be suitable for retail units, e.g. shops, and cafes, and community services, e.g. health centres and nurseries, along with community rooms and shared spaces for local groups.

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“This is at the heart of the scheme and sits within a substantial area of open space close to the main development entrance.

“Furthermore, substantial financial contributions will be secured by the district and county councils as part of the planning process to improve and upgrade local services.”

Public meeting

Residents are invited to find out more at a public meeting on Monday, March 30, at Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.

The meeting, which is being held by Lindfield Rural Parish Council, along with Lindfield Parish Council and Haywards Heath Town Council, will start at 8pm.

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Trevor Webster, chairman of Lindfield Rural Parish Council, said: “The purpose of the joint meeting is to inform and collect the views of residents for the three parish councils planning meetings to enable them to formulate their comments back to MSDC and WSCC regarding the proposals.

“The developers, residents and other stakeholder groups will be invited to the meeting with an opportunity to participate.

“In addition to the public meeting residents will also have the opportunity to submit comments via Facebook.”

The deadline for objections to the development is April 6.

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.stophaywardsheathgolfclubdevelopment.co.uk. Planning reference is DM/20/0559.