Plans to build 300 homes on land off Marshfoot Lane in Hailsham could now continue after the Secretary of State returned the decision back to Wealden District Council.
In June 2020, the Secretary of State ‘called in’ the plans ordering Wealden Councillors not to continue with the development over concerns about the local infrastructure and floodplains (pictured).
However, in a U-Turn, a letter has been sent to WDC by the Secretary of State informing them: “In deciding whether to call in this application, the Secretary of State has considered his policy on calling in planning applications. This policy gives examples of the types of issues which may lead him to conclude, in his opinion that the application should be called in. The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”
Hailsham Councillor Gavin Blake-Coggins told Hailsham News: “Their decision to reject a call in with this case is totally unbelievable. There are many issues why I supported a call in.
“The environmental impact upon the Pevensey Levels is going to be tremendous. Building houses here would be totally ridiculous. It has to be remembered that as recent as the 70’s boats were on this land sailing. Rickney pumps only have to breakdown and there will be disaster. These pumps are active 24/7 designed to operate at 14 hours out of 24.
“The sewage system cannot currently cope with demand let alone adding in total 1400 homes in the vicinity. The are two schools which are built below road level, pollution is heavy and will contaminate the air in and around these schools. Marshfoot Lane is a Lane, there is not enough room for construction traffic to pass parked cars. The swan neck entrance will inhibit large lorries access to and from any development area. The road would need total rebuild beforehand.
The decision comes despite more than 150 separate letters from residents to the planning committee and a petition containing more than two hundred names of local people objecting to the development.
