Proposals for 50 new homes would be ‘tragic’ for Slinfold

Proposals have been put forward by developer Taylor Wimpey to create 50 new homes on the field to the East of Slinfold.

The plans also outline the creation of a new scout hut and a new children’s play area as well as access for vehicles onto Hayes Lane and pedestrian access onto South Downs Way.

Associated car parking and landscaping is also set to be provided.

However, back in February residents came out in protest against the plans.

Issues were raised over the impact the development would have on flooding in the village and the negative affects on wildlife.

At a neighbourhood planning meeting, held at Slinfold CE Primary School last Friday, concerns about the development becoming isolated from the rest of the village and the build up of traffic on Hayes Lane were also raised.

In response developers stated a sustainable drainage system would be installed to reduce flooding and some habitats will be kept and enhanced.

They added new access to the site would make it easily accessible and would not leave it to become isolated.

But residents are still unimpressed with proposals.

Protester Emma Gardner said: “Slinfold is historic, it is beautiful and it has a lot of old properties in it.

“It would be tragic if that and the field was lost.

“It is not like in 20 years time we can say we made a bit of mistake, there is no way of going back.”