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Low Weald must not become ‘dumping ground’ for Mid Sussex housing

CPRE Sussex calls for a Low Weald preservation and development strategy ahead of hearings into Mid Sussex District Council draft local plan.

CPRE Sussex is opposing proposals for new large development sites in the Low Weald.

The charity is particularly concerned about plans for a 2,000-home development near Sayers Common. It describes proposals to create a self-sustaining 20-minute neighbourhood there, set out in the Mid Sussex District Council draft local plan, as ‘wholly unrealistic and undeliverable’.

The charity says the proposals treat the area as a ‘dumping ground’ for housing which cannot be built in the designated High Weald area.

It is calling for the development of a comprehensive land use policy for the Low Weald. This would recognise its high ecological, landscape and natural capital value, as well as identifying areas which need to be protected, and those suitable for sustainable development.

CPRE Sussex argues most new development should be focused in and around the district’s main urban centres. This means densification of development and providing more sustainable and affordable homes within larger towns. Local plan housing targets should reflect this more sustainable development policy and recognise the serious infrastructure and environmental constraints affecting the district.

The public examination by the Planning Inspectorate of the draft local plan is set to start next week. Hearings will be held in Mid Sussex District Council’s Haywards Heath offices.

Read:

latest CPRE Sussex submissions on the draft local plan.

Press release Mid Sussex Local Plan in full

Mid Sussex District Plan CPRE Briefing Note

 

Mid Sussex local plan press release

Added 18 October 2024
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