Plans to build up to 80 homes in Haywards Heath refused

The application from Miller Homes Ltd for land at Colwell Farm, in Lewes Road, was turned down by the planning committee.

While planning officers felt the benefits of the development – such as 24 of the homes being classed as affordable – outweighed any harm it may cause, many on the committee did not agree.

It was a close decision, with members voting six to five in favour of the rejection. The grounds for doing so were that there would be an adverse impact on the character of the area, the unsustainable location – residents would be largely reliant on cars, the adverse impact on heritage assets such as the Conservation Area and listed buildings, and the loss of trees on the site.

Concerns were also raised about the ecology of the area, such as the impact on dormice, deer and badgers. But, as there had been no objection from the council’s ecological consultant, officers said it would be very difficult to defend that as a reason for refusal.

The development was described as ‘opportunistic and speculative’ by Alison Rees, of Haywards Heath Town Council.

Addressing the committee, she said: “The approval of this application would set a dangerous precedent and lead to applications coming forward for other major sites adjacent to the town.

“Refusing the application demonstrates to the community that [the council] is fighting to protect the rural character of Haywards Heath and, indeed, Mid Sussex generally, through its planning system.”

To view the application, log on to pa.midsussex.gov.uk and search for DM/25/0445.