West Sussex residents object to countryside being ‘violated’ by developers
They’re angry, the countryside is being trashed and they’re being ignored.
Residents in Lindfield and Haywards Heath are fed up with housing developments appearing on their doorstep and think it’s time for the council to listen to their concerns.
The proposed development to build houses on 100 acres of the Haywards Heath golf course in High Beech Lane, Lindfield, has met opposition from residents.
Liz Evans, of Roundwood Lane, Lindfield, said: “There is a risk that Haywards Heath is turning into a dormitory town where there is no thriving centre and no community.”
David Edwards, of Brook Lane, Lindfield, said: “There is no question that there have been some good developments on brownfield sites that are near amenities. However, I am not happy to see greenfield sites being violated by developers.”
He added: “All the good-wishing people are being trodden underfoot.”
Local developer Fairfax declined to comment when asked about plans to build 1,100 houses on Haywards Heath golf course.
The Mid Sussex District Council website states Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and East Grinstead are required to build a minimum of 10,653 houses between them as part of a government plan to increase growth in these areas by 2031.
The Penland Farm development that saw 210 houses built near Harlands School, Haywards Heath, caused controversy with residents.
Penland Farm was sold to developer Redrow which has built a range of three and four bedroom houses starting from £499,995.
Stephen Hornsfield, member of the Penland Farm Action Group, said: “We had a large number of supporters and the Mid Sussex District Council did listen to our concerns and rejected the development. However, central government completely ignored local opinions.”
He added: “I feel let down by Mid Sussex District Council because we will have a concrete block of houses in the middle of the countryside.
“I’m not sure why anyone moving down from London would pay top dollar for a house so close to a neighbour and with no privacy. I thought getting out of a city was about finding room and more peace and quiet.”
