Residents have until the end of the month to make their comments known over controversial plans to build retirement homes on the site of the historic Cattle Market site.
Developer McCarthy Stone has applied to build 62 Retirement Living PLUS (Extra Care) apartments, 17 single storey Extra Care bungalows exclusively for those aged over 70. Included in the plans are shared facilities for the residents, including a communal lounge, bistro, salon, guest suites and parking for almost 80 cars.
Hailsham Town Council has filed an objection to the plans, suggesting the development will cause loss of light and overshadowing to neighbouring properties, concerns over construction traffic and worries following a report on contamination on the site and the presence of toxic chemicals in the soil. The Council is concerned these chemicals could leak, possibly causing water contamination.
The developers suggest a new site has been found for the Cattle Market, which is a requirement due to the Royal Charter given to Hailsham in 1252 by Henry III.
A recent planning meeting at Hailsham Town Council, members suggested the ‘new site’, which is believed to be close to the A22 bypass, falls outside of the Hailsham boundaries and the change would need to be agreed by The Royal Family.
At the meeting, local resident Professor David Younge, who represents 60 homeowners, presented findings from a report carried out by Crossfield Consulting. It found high levels of Zinc, Lead, Cadium, Arsenic, Benzene and Pyrene within the soil.
Professor Younge told the committee due to the contaminants found, residents of the planned properties will not be able to dig in their gardens, and it would not be safe for children to play in them. These chemicals will also be airborne putting nearby residents at great risk.
The last planning application for the site was to build a 1,600 square metre Lidl supermarket in 2007, but was thrown out by Wealden planners. The site was then purchased by the current owners South East Marts in 2012.
Appeals and comments can be sent on the application (WD/2021/1998/MAJ) by visiting the Wealden District Council website. Click here.
