Fighting for appropriate, sustainable development 

CPRE Sussex Campaigns and Communications Manager’s column written for The Argus.

At CPRE Sussex, we are proud to help residents fight inappropriate development and defend the countryside on their doorstep. This is not always easy. Unrealistic housing targets, shifting planning policies and pressure from developers can feel like insurmountable challenges. But we fight on because we know how precious our local green spaces are. 

The battle of ‘Cuckstye’ 

The need to protect the Sussex countryside is perfectly illustrated by the recent ‘Cuckstye’ appeal. Last October, plans for 1,450 homes between Cuckfield and Ansty were refused by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC). The development was completely unsustainable, lacked infrastructure and would have damaged the local environment. The decision to turn it down was a victory for common sense.  

Yet our joy was short-lived. Fairfax Developments submitted an appeal, and a hearing was held in June. It will be some months before we will discover the outcome of this appeal. But ‘Cuckstye’ is about more than just one district. It illustrates the threats facing green spaces across Sussex. Residents do not want this development. The council has already identified other, more sustainable, locations for new homes. Yet, central housing targets and the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could mean local needs and expertise are ignored. 

Troubling factors 

There are several troubling factors at play as we await the secretary of state’s decision. First, the planning inspectorate has published his interim conclusions into the MSDC draft District Plan. These include a requirement for the council to deliver between 1,200 and 1,300 homes per year, rather than the 1,088 proposed by the council.  This means the district will have to absorb an additional 3,500 to 4,000 homes between now and 2040. The inspector also showed no interest in increasing the affordable housing requirement or suggestions which would improve the district’s contribution to climate change and ecological commitments.   

The second troubling factor is the ongoing review of the NPPF.  During a public consultation earlier this year, CPRE Sussex raised concerns about the highly centralising nature of the plans. The draft NPPF doubled down on unrealistic and undeliverable housing targets, opening the door to yet more speculative and unplanned development. We do not yet know exactly what form the revised NPPF will take. But it is likely to be published before the secretary of state determines Fairfax’s appeal. Planning appeals must be made with reference to the NPPF which is in force at the time of determination. This adds a further layer of uncertainty for residents and campaigners.   

Creating better places to live 

At CPRE Sussex we believe local communities and their elected representatives must be able to shape the places where they live, work and play. This is not about saying ‘no’ to all development. It is about saying no to unsustainable, greenfield development which fails to deliver much-needed affordable housing. 

Find out more about our work creating better place to live here.   

Read Nancy’s latest Argus column in full here