Residents' fears over plans for 108 new houses in Polegate

Residents are concerned the planning application off Shepham Lane will dramatically alter the area, particularly due to its proposed entrance on the country lane.

The proposed 5.7 hectare site comprises the existing Little Shepham house and its land, bordered by Shepham Lane and the Cuckoo Trail public footpath.

Residents say the development will be dangerous due to increasing the volume of traffic in the area, which will cross footpaths used by elderly people and young children going to school.

They also argue it will put a strain on infrastructure, harm the environment and disrupt the tranquility of the area.

Louise Howcutt, of Levett Road, said, “They want to put the entrance on our little lane. It’s going to be horrendous – it will devastate the estate and completely change it.

“It’s a quiet estate, we have families on bikes at the weekends and after school, and there’s horse stables around here so horses are often coming down the road. I can’t see how we will be able to use the lane safely.”

Mrs Howcutt is calling for a new access route and a public consultation on the plans.

Damon Turner, director at Welbeck Strategic Land proposing the development, said, “The land has the potential to deliver much-needed new homes, including affordable homes in a sustainable location.

“The community has a right to expect that new homes are delivered in the right way, and we believe this application achieves that.

“A substantial amount of publicly accessible green space has been provided – including a children’s play area and woodland walk.”

The application, which has so far received eight letters of objection, can be viewed at www.planning.wealden.go.uk

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