Merrydown Village Horam
The multiple new developments underway and about to start will not solve Heathfield’s housing problems particularly for first-time buyers and downsizers, according to Paul Wilson of Rowland Gorringe.
“Too many people want houses at the lower end of the market and there is a real demand for apartments and two to three bed properties. We are marketing the Merrydown site in Horam and are delighted that nearly all the homes have been bought by local people, many through the Help to Buy scheme,” said Paul.
Concerns about infrastructure
While Paul is pleased that there are new homes being built on brownfield sites he is dismayed that so many greenfield sites are now being developed in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) when there are alternatives. Along with the Parish Council, he also has concerns about the town’s infrastructure being able to cope.
Cllr Patrick Coffey, Vice-Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the Planning and Highways Committee, says the Parish Council supports the larger housing developments are taking place in the Heathfield at the moment.
Danecroft Place, Hellingly
He said: “The development at the rear of the Police Station was approved a few years ago and is now well under way. We supported it because it provided a very good 40% affordable housing out of the 115 houses in total, and it is close to the town centre in a very sustainable position with easy access to shops and services, as well as direct links on to the Cuckoo Trail. It also provides for some improvements to services in the town, including buses.
Mixed scheme
“The other main development is at the former Beehive Public House, known as the ‘Crown Drive’ development. Although it was sad to lose the pub, it was no longer viable and, as a Council, we are pleased to see a mixed scheme of housing and business units on this brownfield site which provides live and work places in a good location. There will be a good mix of small unit flats and houses, and two live-work units, as well as new business space.”
Wealden Council has now significantly reduced the amount of housing required in the Draft Local Plan. Together with other approvals already granted, the Parish Council hopes that this will make up a significant proportion of what is required for the town over the Plan Period until 2028. Councillors are very mindful of the need to ensure that new development in the town does not place excessive burdens on services and infrastructure, which are already under pressure.’
Some of the housing developments under way or soon to start include (details subject to change):
Merrydown Village, Horam, being built by Beech Homes and marketed by Rowland Gorringe – 41 two, three and four bedroom houses, together with 19 one and two bedroom apartments.
Old Police Station site, Heathfield, being built by Matthews Homes and marketed by Freeman Forman – approximately 100 units
Crown Drive, Heathfield, being built by Mid-Sussex Homes and to be marketed as Windsor Court, through Rowland Gorringe
Danecroft Place, Hellingly, being built by Nicholls Ltd and marketed by Rowland Gorringe – 16 units
Dadds Hill site at Cross in Hand being built by Crown Homes and marketed by Wood & Pilcher
Mount Pleasant, Heathfield, being built by Millwood Homes (22 units and marketing to be confirmed)
Parklands, Burwash Road Consent granted for 24 units (Sale of the land agreed)
Barn, Burwash Road – (Consent granted for 15 units).
Coachmans, Burwash Road (Consent to 10 units – sale recently agreed)
Rose Mead Farm, Horam 100 units – (details of builder yet to be officially released – but it is a major national builder)