‘There are too many people unable to afford to stay living in places where they grew up’

Responding to the comments from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Debbie Aplin, managing director of Mayfield Market Towns, said: ‘‘Any proposals for new homes and employment opportunities in sensitive areas such as Sussex have to take care to respect the local area and landscape. ‘‘We do need to be providing new homes, there are too many people unable to afford to stay living in the towns and villages where they work or grew up in. ‘‘The Mayfields’ team are very conscious of the quality of the landscape and the importance of retaining very special local areas, such as the South Downs National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ‘‘A key part of our work is ensuring we can design our new town to settle into the landscape, creating new green spaces and wildlife habitats designed to help native wildlife thrive alongside homes, employment and community facilities. ‘‘Our team strongly believe we can create an inclusive new community and reduce the impact on the surrounding landscape with careful planning. ‘‘We are listening carefully to the CPRE and their views and would like to meet with them to discuss further,’’ said Ms Aplin.