Fresh plans for development site as new owner takes over
Government agency buys council-owned West Sussex site
A West Sussex site earmarked fordevelopmenthasbeenbought by government housing agency Homes England.
A total of 375 new homes, of which 30 per cent will be affordable, burial grounds, allotments, primary school and country park are proposed off Hurstwood Lane, Haywards Heath.
Homes England has now purchased the land from Mid Sussex District Council and will be submitting a new planning application for the site following engagement with the public and stakeholders.
Before the sale was announced, resident Hannah Sharpe started a petition calling formoreoftheHurstFarmsiteto begivenovertoopengreenspace and not developed. So far it has been signed by more than 1,800 people.
She said: “The sale of councilowned land at Hurst Farm to Homes England represents a terrible deal for the residents of Haywards Heath. Not only was the land sold for approximately £3million less than the council’s own valuation but the development will likely see residents’ open space reduce by five hectares.”
While Burgess Hill is also seeing significant new housebuilding taking place, she felt it was managing to secure more extra green space for its residents than Haywards Heath is.
According to a release announcing the sale, a variety of open spaces will be provided, including a central village green, ponds, play areas for children and a country park, while pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will be able to use a car free ‘greenway’ along a section of Hurstwood Lane.
Kate McBride, head of planning and enabling at Homes England, said: “As well as ensuring much-needed new homes are constructed in communities, we’re passionate about the broader environment. Byprovidingtheseinfrastructure works, local people and wildlife will be able to enjoy a wellplannedneighbourhoodforyears to come.”
Judy Llewellyn-Burke, deputy leader at Mid Sussex District Council, added: “The developmentdeliverssignificant infrastructureimprovementsfor Haywards Heath, with the new school,allotments,cemeteryand country park supporting people from all walks of life.”