Plans for Vodafone mast in Eastbourne Road

A Vodafone communications mast and cabinet could be put up in Eastbourne Road, Uckfield. Plans for the ten metre high mast, which would look like a telegraph pole, have been submitted to Wealden Council. It would go on the highways verge near trees by the Highlands Inn. WD/08/7507 (Added to site Friday, August 8, 2008)

Pictures needed to promote East Sussex
Local photographers are being invited to contribute their favourite pictures taken in Wealden to be used in promoting East Sussex to visitors.
Landscapes, action shots, photographs of local produce, wildlife and people enjoying what East Sussex has to offer are all needed.
There will be no payment for the images but photographers – amateur, club or professional - will have their pictures credited to them and all who take part will be entered into a prize draw for £250 of camera equipment.
The pictures are sought by the Enjoy Sussex Partnership, which includes Wealden, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Lewes District Councils, and could be used in the Enjoy Sussex Visitor Guide 2009 and on the Enjoy Sussex website www.enjoysussex.info.
For more details contact the Economic Development and Tourism Team at Wealden Council on 01892 602884 or email: regeneration@wealden.gov.uk. (Added to site Thursday, August 7, 2008)
 

Farm buildings could be converted to homes

Redundant Grade II listed farm buildings within the boundary of Sheffield Park Garden could be converted to eight homes.
The buildings have recently been surrendered by the former tenant farmer, according to documents before Wealden Council, and many are now redundant for modern agricultural purposes.
The buildings are to the north of Sheffield Park Farm House and the application has been submitted on behalf of the Knole Second Trust. WD/2008/0493 (Added to site Wednesday, August 6, 2008)
 

Plans for convent site refused
Plans to demolish St Michael’s Convent at New Town in Uckfield and build a nursery school, 30 flats and a house on the site have been refused by Wealden Council.
The decision notice issued by the council says the scheme 'fails to respond to the constraints of the sensitive location and make a positive contribution to the streetscene'. It says the flat blocks have limited regard to local distinctiveness or the best elements of architectural design within the locality.
The design of all the buildings ‘would result in an unsatisfactory appearance to the streetscene and within the development, creating unacceptable elevations and inappropriate juxtapositions with neighbouring properties by virtue of oppressive building massing and an overbearing impact’, says the notice.
Another reason given for refusal is the access road, Old Timbers Lane, which has ‘substandard visibility, width and levels’ at its junction with the High Street where existing hazards ‘would be increased by the additional slowing, stopping, turning and reversing traffic which would be created’. (Added to site Tuesday, August 5, 2008)
 

New system for Medical Loan service
The Red Cross will soon have a desk at the Uckfield Volunteer and Information Centre at 79 High Street. The organisation’s Medical Loan service used to be based at Horsted Square on the Bellbrook Industrial Estate and people were able to call in there to collect items. In future the local point of contact will be the volunteer centre and items will be available by delivery. A starting date has yet to be fixed. (Added to site Monday, August 4 2008) 
 

Smoking shelter could be built at club
Plans to build a smoking shelter at The Uckfield Club, in Bell Lane, Uckfield, are before Wealden Council. Fencing could also be put up. WD/2008/1946/FR (Added to site Friday, August 1, 2008)
 

Proposals for change at Raj Dutt restaurant
A three-bedroom flat could be built over the single-storey Raj Dutt Indian Restaurant in Eastbourne Road, Uckfield, if proposals before Wealden Council are approved. The front and side verandah of the building could also be redesigned and the ground floor toilet facilities replaced. WD/2008/1722/F (Added to site July 31, 2008)

Plans for eight homes approved
Plans have been approved for eight homes to be built in two terraces in New Road, Uckfield, on land north of the Ridgewood Industrial Estate. The application was submitted to Wealden Council by Clearwater Property Investments. (Added to site July 30, 2008)
 

Ponds would enable climate change study
Two temporary ponds could be built at Furners Green, near Danehill, to enable a study to be carried out to evaluate the likely impact of climate warming on a species of fish which has been in Sussex since the early 1900s and which could become invasive.
The pumpkinseed sunfish, also known as sun bass, is present in many still waters and some streams of the Susssex Ouse basin and the aim of the research is to determine how its reproduction and dispersal will be affected in England by increases in water temperature and stream discharge.
Documents submitted with a planning application, from Tanyard Ornamental Fish, say the research would be carried out by the Centre for Environmental Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and funded by the Defra.
The ponds would go on land which has permission for two polytunnels to be built – only one is on the site at the moment. WD/2008/1858/F (Added to site July 29, 2008)
 

Regulation changes affect development planning
Proposals for the next stage of public consultation on the core strategy of the Wealden Local Development Framework are due to be considered at a meeting on September 22.
The district council sub-committee which oversees the development plan was told at a meeting last week that changes to national regulations and new Government guidance on the planning system would have ‘significant implications’ for the council’s current work programme and the nature of the next stage of public consultation.
A revised timetable for the core strategy and other documents for the local development framework will be considered as part of a review of the council’s scheme at the September meeting. (Added to site Monday, July 28, 2008)
 

Homes could replace industrial units
Two derelict industrial units in could be demolished and four terraced homes built in their place if plans before Wealden Council are approved. The units are in Gordon Road, Buxted, and the planning application has been submitted by trustees of the Wallis Pension Fund. (Added to site Friday, July 25, 2008)
 

New proposals for land at Ridgewood Manor Lodge
New proposals have been submitted to build on land at Ridgewood Manor Lodge, in Lewes Road, Ridgewood. Crowton Properties have applied for permission to build nine three-bedroom terrace houses in three blocks of three. Earlier this month they withdrew plans for six three-bedroom terrace houses, two three-bedroom semi-detached houses and one four-bedroom detached house with integral garage. (Added to site Thursday, July 24, 2008)

Covered play areas plan approved
Plans to provide covered play areas which can be accessed from two classrooms at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Uckfield have been approved by Wealden Council.
Lightweight canopies are to be fixed to the church side of the school building and replacement windows are to be provided in one of the classrooms. (Added to site Wednesday, July 23, 2008)
 

Fun for all at sports festival
There will be chance to wrestle in inflatable Sumo suits, test BMX or skateboarding skills on a mobile skate park and take part in a laser gun game at a community sports festival in Uckfield on Saturday (26).
Other events at the Freedom Leisure centre, in Downsview Crescent, will include demonstrations of street dance, cheerleading, Tae kwon do and Boccia. Local companies have entered teams in a football tournament and there will be football, cricket and rugby taster sessions for youngsters.
Also on offer will be yoga, pilates, water polo and synchronised swimming taster sessions.
The festival is being organised by Wealden District Council in partnership with Freedom Leisure. (Added to site Tuesday, July 22, 2008)
 

Work to begin on new A272 roundabout

Work is expected to begin next month on a new roundabout designed to improve access to the new Veolia waste management site off the A272 at Maresfield.
A temporary 40mph speed limit has been advertised by East Sussex County Council affecting traffic in Batts Bridge Road from its junction with the A22 to a point 534 metres south west of that junction.
The temporary speed restriction is expected to stay in place for about a year and after that it is likely there will be a permanent speed restriction. (Added to site Monday, July 21, 2008)
 

Housing allocation for district increases
The Government has proposed that 550 new homes should be built in Wealden each year over the next 20 years – 150 more than originally suggested and 70 more than proposed by an independent panel.
A Wealden councillor responsible for strategic planning and housing delivery Cllr Roy Galley said: ‘Two years ago we were expected to allow for 8,000 new homes to be built in Wealden over the next 20 years. This has now been increased to 11, 000.’
Cllr Galley said that with two thirds of the district covered by conservation sites and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty this decision could only put unreasonable development pressure on the rest of the district. (Added to site Friday, July 18, 2008)
 

Work should start soon on centre
A tender has been let for nearly £40,000 worth of work to be carried out at the former adult education centre, next to the Luxford car park, in Uckfield. The building, now known as The Hub, was bought by the town council from East Sussex County Council and is being improved for community use.
A report to the town council’s general purposes committee which meets on Monday (21st) says a date for starting the work should be agreed imminently. (Added to site Thursday, July 17, 2008)
 

MP to open extension to nature reserve
An extension to the Hempstead Meadows Nature Reserve in Uckfield is due to be opened on Saturday by Wealden MP Charles Hendry.
The wetland area and a boardwalk across it are being given to the town council by Rydon Homes as part of a planning agreement relating to its development in Sunnybrooke, off Hempstead Road.
There will be chance to join a guided walk of the reserve – which can be accessed from the back of the Somerfield car park - on Saturday. It will be led by management committee chairman Dr Martyn Stenning. The walk is due to begin shortly after 10am with the official opening of the extension taking place at about 11am. More (Added to site Wednesday, July 16, 2008)
 

Plans to alter car park layout
Tesco has applied for planning permission to amend the car park layout at its Uckfield store to ‘assist vehicular circulation'. The application was received by Wealden Council on June 30, 2008. WD/2008/1675 (Added to site Tuesday, July 15, 2008)
 

Message goes out about Ashdown Forest
Moves are being made to get message out to the public that the Ashdown Forest is more heathland than forest.
The conservators are proposing to set up a parish liaison panel to communicate better with local councils and to highlight the fact that 55 per cent of the forest is heathland while only 40 per cent consists of trees. The remaining five per cent is car parks, picnic areas and golf courses.
Wealden councillors have been told, in a bulletin, that the forest is 900 years old and was created by the Normans for deer hunting. Originally 20 square miles of land was enclosed by a bank and ditch which allowed deer in but made it difficult for them to leave.
Human access was via ‘gates’ and ‘hatches’ and their names survive in local places today like Chelwood Gate, Coleman’s Hatch and Poundgate. (Added to site Monday, July 14, 2008)
 

Plans for sports pavilions in villages
Plans have been submitted to build a sports pavilion at Framfield Recreation Ground and a similar scheme has been proposed for a replacement pavilion at Blackboys.
Permission has been sought for both buildings by Framfield Parish Council. They would be built on rafts so no trees or hedges would be affected and there would be no changes to parking arrangements at either recreation ground. (Added to site Friday, July 11, 2008) 
 

Names suggested for new estate roads
Road names being considered for a new housing development off Eastbourne Road, Uckfield, follow a theme of Sussex commons and include Ambersham, Teelings, Markstakes, Ebernoe, Iping, Stedham, Woolbeding, Henley, Lodsworth, Sutton, Heyshott and Trotton.
Eight roads have to be named and the town council will consider the suggestions from Wealden Council at a plans committee meeting on Monday, July 14, 2008. (Added to site Thursday, July 10, 2008)
 

Pandamonium building on the market
The premises which used to house the Pandamonium children’s play centre in Framfield Road, Uckfield, are on the market.
The building, which used to be a factory, is being marketed by Lawson Commercial who say other uses might be considered such as a concert hall, gymnasium or other indoor sports use, or for education, exhibitions or religious instruction. (Added to site Wednesday, July 9, 2008)
 

Festival fun hits the streets on Saturday
Festival fun will burst on to the streets of Uckfield on Saturday. Children on stilts, colourfully dressed and beating carnival drums will parade down the High Street and back to the Luxford Field. There will be stalls and arena events, European market and street theatre too.
The theme of the parade will revolve around Uckfield railway. Spiritus Arts, the carnival group of students at Uckfield Community Technology College was awarded a Heritage Lottery grant to research the history and has worked with the town’s preservation society to bring the story alive. The carnival procession leaves UCTC at 1.30pm. (Added to site Tuesday, July 8, 2008)
 

Action group aims to reduce road injuries
People in Wealden enjoy good health in comparison with other districts in the country according to a profile published by the Department of Health.
Smoking, healthy eating and obesity rates are better than the England average, councillors have been told in a bulletin, however the rate of road injuries and deaths is ‘significantly’ worse than the England average.
A road safety action group is now aiming to reduce the number of alcohol related road casualties, reduce the number of casualties caused by 16-25 year old drivers and reduce the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured. (Added to site Monday, July 7, 2008)
 

Nine houses plan withdrawn
Plans to build nine homes at Ridgewood Manor Lodge, Lewes Road, Ridgewood, have been withdrawn. Crowton Properties applied for permission to build six three-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom semi-detached houses and one four-bedroom detached house with integral garage but the scheme was withdrawn on Wednesday, July 2. (Added to site Friday, July 4, 2008)
 

Proposal for new homes
Two semi-detached houses could be built on land next to 16 Selby Close, Uckfield. A planning application has been submitted to Wealden Council by Hanover Homes. (Added to site Thursday, July 3, 2008)
 

Seven foot sculpture takes shape
A seven foot sculpture of Christ being created to be fixed to the tower of Uckfield Catholic Church is taking shape.
The figure now has hands, feet and face and today children from St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, who have watched progress from the start, will be able to take a good look at the figure which will eventually be cast in bronze
The media have been invited too and this will be the first time they have been able to film and photograph the model. They will also be able to see clay faces made by the children which will eventually be joined to make a cloak for another separate statue of the school's patron saint.
Sculptor Marcus Cornish, who is helping the children with their work, is moulding clay upon a steel skeleton to create his figure of Christ. When he has finished it will be cast in plaster and taken to a foundry where it will be cast again, first in wax and then in bronze. More (Added to site Wednesday, July 2, 2008)
 

Planning inquiry resumes today
An inquiry considering appeals against refusal of planning permission for development on three sites in Uckfield is due to resume today at the East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa at Little Horsted.
A Government planning inspector is expected to spend three more weeks hearing arguments about planning applications to build 300 homes at Bird in Eye (North), 197 at Bird in Eye (South) and 750 at Downlands Farm.
His decision will be notified at a later date. (Added to site Tuesday, July 1, 2008)
 

Tribute paid to soldier’s family after funeral
Tribute has been paid by the chairman of Wealden Council to the family of the Uckfield soldier Private Daniel Gamble who died in combat in Afghanistan.
Cllr Chantelle Wilson wrote, in a briefing for fellow councillors, about the funeral which was held with full military honours and ceremony at Holy Cross Church on Thursday. There were about 600 people inside the church and more outside.
Cllr Wilson said: ‘It was the most moving, beautiful and heartbreaking funeral I have ever attended. I must immediately pay tribute to Pte Gamble’s family who had the strength to choose a public funeral which allowed all those affected to pay their respects.’
Following the service there was a rifle salute with a firing party of 12 soldiers and the last post was sounded by a bugler, followed by a minute’s silence. Pte Gamble’s belt and beret were returned to the family along with the union flag which had covered the coffin. A private cremation followed. (Added to site Monday, June 30)
 

Council chooses site for new headquarters
Wealden Council is to have a new purpose-built headquarters at Hailsham in Vicarage Lane. The offices are expected to cost up to £12 million and will replace existing buildings in Hailsham and at Crowborough. The exact location in Vicarage Lane has still to be finalised though the offices will be built on land owned by the council, according to a press release. The present Hailsham offices will eventually be disposed of. The council aims to maintain a presence in Crowborough. (Added to site Friday, June 27, 2008)
 

New bridge could be built across the Uck
A new bridge could be built across the river Uck at Hadlow Down if proposals before Wealden Council are approved.
The scheme has been submitted by Mr Patrick Marber, of Huggetts Furnace Farm, in Hastingford Lane, to access three newly purchased fields.
Documents before the council say the bridge would be of a simple design with reinforced steel joists supporting untreated oak sleeper deck and oak hand rails.
It has designed to allow a laden tractor and trailer to pass safely when a forage is cut from the southern field. It would also be used by a stockman’s vehicle when checking livestock in the fields. (Added to site Thursday, June 26, 2008)
 

Church alterations are approved
Plans for a new entrance to the parish room at Uckfield Catholic Church have been approved by Wealden Council. Alterations to the main gable walls at the front of the church and the provision of louvres to the bell tower have also been approved. (Added to site Wednesday, June 25, 2008)

Radio station returns to the airwaves
Uckfield FM returns to the airwaves on Monday for the seventh year running and this summer hopes to apply for a full time community radio licence. Events the station aims to cover include a live 80s disco, a Songs of Praise event and a live broadcast of a Drifters pop concert during the town’s festival. Uckfield FM broadcasts on 87.9fm. (Added to site Tuesday, June 24, 2008)
 

Chance to join festival dance project
People who would like to take part in a festival dance project are invited to an open rehearsal on Saturday (28th) at the Foresters Hall in Harcourt Road, Uckfield.
It runs between 11.15am and 1pm and offers the chance to explore ways of storytelling using dance, movement, mime, sound and music.
A performance piece, derived from the open rehearsal and a series of workshops, will be presented at Dance Explosion, the Uckfield Festival’s all day dance project which will be presented at the Weald Hall, Civic Centre, Saturday, July 19. (Added to site Monday, June 23, 2008)
 

MP to open community fair
Thirty-six organisations are taking part in a community fair at Uckfield Civic Centre tomorrow (Saturday). The event is due to be opened at 10am by MP Charles Hendry and Uckfield mayor Cllr Louise Eastwood and will run until 4pm.
It is being organised by the Uckfield Volunteer and Information Centre as a way of showcasing community activities and all that the town has to offer people. (Added to site Friday, June 20, 2008)
 

Children’s poems to be displayed in town
Poems written by primary school children will be displayed around town during the Uckfield Festival. They will celebrate 150 years of railway and complement the theme of a procession in the High Street during the Big Day Out on Saturday, July 12. The festival runs from Friday, July 11 until Sunday, July 20. (Added to site Thursday, June 19, 2008)
 

Alcohol-free zones could be introduced

The introduction of alcohol-free zones in Uckfield is to be considered by the town council.
Councillors supported the idea in principle at a meeting of the environment committee last week and agreed to set up a working party to investigate further.
They were told that the Just So bar and The Broadway liked the idea as they felt they got the blame for all anti-social behaviour in the town, even when youths bought alcohol from supermarkets and other outlets. (Added to site Wednesday, June 18, 2008)
 

Arts centre plan approved
Proposals to provide an arts centre dedicated to the works and achievements of two of the 20th century’s most famous artists have been approved by Wealden Council.
Planning permission has been given for a barn and byre at Farleys Farm, Chiddingly, to be converted to provide a shop, office and display gallery for use in connection with the Lee Miller Archives and The Penrose Collection.
Photographer Lee Miller and painter Roland Penrose, bought Farleys Farm in the late 1940s and it became a place of pilgrimage for friends, artists and art lovers the world over. The couple’s son Antony runs it now. (Added to site Tuesday, June 17, 2008)
 

Planning inquiry resumes tomorrow
An inquiry into plans to develop land at Bird in Eye and Downlands Farm in Uckfield is due to resume tomorrow at Uckfield Civic Centre. It is expected to run for three days there.
Then after another break the inquiry is expected to begin again on July 1 at the East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa at Little Horsted.
The inquiry follows an appeal against refusal of planning permission to build 300 homes at Bird in Eye north, 197 homes at Bird in Eye south and 750 homes at Downlands Farm. (Added to site Monday, June 16, 2008)
 

Teams gear up for bike ride
Local teams are gearing up to take part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday (June 15). They include the St Philip’s Flyers, from St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, Uckfield, and a Wealden Council team called the Wealden Wobblers.
All the riders will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation but some of the money raised by the Flyers will go to The Friends of St Philip’s Association. (Added to site Friday, June 13, 2008)
 

Houses proposal for redundant builder’s yard
Six houses could be built on the site of a redundant builder’s yard in Uckfield if plans before Wealden Council are approved. The proposal for the site at 2 Norfolk Way has been submitted by Mr C. Macve. (Added to site Thursday, June 12, 2008)
 

TV weather girl to open festival Big Day
TV weather girl Kaddy Lee-Preston is due to open Uckfield Festival’s Big Day on Saturday, July 12. The BBC South East Today presenter should be at the Luxford Field at 2.30pm.
The festival is due to be launched on Friday, July 11, at 6pm at the Wealden Skills Centre and the work of some of the artists participating in the Uckfield Art Trail will be displayed. (Added to site Wednesday, June 11)

Extension planned at school
Plans have been submitted to build a reception area for visitors to Bonners Primary School at Maresfield. Documents before Wealden Council say an office for reception staff would also be provided in an extension which would be rendered to stand out from the rest of the school building. (Added to site Tuesday, June 10, 2008)

Three contrasting events on one day
Three contrasting events take place in Uckfield within walking distance of each other on June 21, 2008. They are the Scout Fiesta, a community fair and an art exhibition.
The Scout Fiesta will be held on the Luxford Field during the afternoon, the community fair –where community groups can advertise what they do – will be held at the Civic Centre and the Uckfield Art Society exhibition will be held at the Luxford Centre.
Among the organisations having stands at the community fair are Alma Stroke Club, Care for the Carers, Fairtrade, Lime Aid, Royal British legion, St Wilfred’s Hospice, U3A, Uckfield Photographic Society and Uckfield Singers. (Added to site Monday, June 9, 2008)

Details submitted for 80 homes scheme
Details of a scheme to build 80 homes at Park Farm, Maresfield, are before Wealden Council. They include appearance, landscaping, layout and scale and have been submitted by Persimmon Homes. (Added to site Friday, June 6, 2008)
 

Campaign launched against carrier bags
A campaign is being launched by Wealden Council to discourage major retailers and independent shops from providing plastic carrier bags for their customers.
The council also aims to encourage local supermarkets to lobby their own suppliers to persuade them to produce less wasteful packaging.
‘As well as proving an eyesore in rural areas, wind blown plastic bags can be extremely harmful to farm animals, wildlife and marine life, causing a risk of choking,’ said Cllr Pam Doodes, leader of the council.
‘I would urge all shopper in Wealden to start taking their own bags with them before they set off to the shops. Small actions like this can make a world of difference.’ (Added to site Thursday, June 5, 2008)

Plans for new entrance at church

Proposals have been submitted to provide a new entrance to a parish room at Uckfield Catholic Church. A planning application before Wealden Council also includes alterations to the main gable walls at the front of the church and provision of louvres on the bell tower. (Added to site Wednesday, June 4, 2008)

Traveller strategy to be considered
Revised procedures for dealing with the unauthorised occupation of land in Wealden are to be considered by the district council’s cabinet tomorrow (Wednesday). A report to cabinet says the procedures take account of a revised police protocol and an East Sussex Traveller Strategy.
It says the council should have regard to the balance between the needs of the settled community and those who have chosen a nomadic way of life. And procedures should seek to address the protection of local communities and the environment whilst acknowledging the legal and human rights position of travellers. (Added to site Tuesday, June 3, 2008)

Eastenders star to be judge in talent contest
Eastenders star Russell Floyd is due to be one of the judges at a talent contest during the Uckfield Festival. Russell who plays Eastenders market inspector Michael Rose and The Bill’s Ken Drummond will be at the Uckfield Civic Centre on Friday, July 18.
Joining Russell as a judge will be local singing teacher Rachel Munro who has organised the event. Singers, dancers, jugglers, tumblers, musicians and mime artists are being invited to take part. (Added to site Monday, June 2, 2008)

Convent demolition plan on agenda
Town councillors are due to discuss plans on Monday to demolish St Michael’s Convent and build 30 flats and a detached house on the site. Views of the plans committee will be forwarded to Wealden Council which will make the final decision on the application. (Added to site Friday, May 30, 2008)

Unsafe poplars to be felled
Rogue poplars within an historic avenue of lime trees in Uckfield are due to be felled over the next two days. Tree surgeons are due to start work this morning cutting them down in sections.
The poplars are neighbours of a tree which fell unexpectedly earlier this year narrowly missing a car driving on to the Uckfield Community Technology College site.
It was only the quick action of principal Mr Craig Pamphilon, who ran to stop the car, which saved the driver and passenger from being crushed.
Lime Aid, a voluntary organisation campaigning to restore Lime Tree Avenue, is funding the felling of the neighbouring poplars which are also considered to be unsafe. The aim is to replant with limes in National Tree Week in November. Read more about Lime Aid at their website www.limetreeavenue.co.uk (Added to site Thursday, May 29, 2008)

Councillors choose mayor and deputy
Cllr Louise Eastwood was re-appointed mayor of Uckfield at a town council meeting last week. She was unopposed when councillors considered the post. Cllr Dorothy Sparks was elected deputy mayor. Both she and Cllr Duncan Bennett had been nominated and a signed ballot was held. (Added to site Wednesday, May 28, 2008)

New roundabout to be built
The 40mph speed limit in Eastbourne Road, Uckfield, is to be extended while a roundabout is built to allow access to a new housing development.
Linden Homes is expected to start work on the roundabout on June 9. It will take about 18 months.
East Sussex County Council has advertised the temporary 40mph speed limit which will start from a point 734 metres southeast of the Eastbourne Road junction with Lewes Road (the current termination point of the existing 40mph speed limit) in a south eastwards direction for a distance of 300 metres. (Added to site Tuesday, May 27, 2008)

Moves to protect stone arch access to estate
Moves are being made to protect the fabric of the 19th century gate house entrance to Maresfield Park, Maresfield, from damage by 21st century vehicles and volumes of traffic.
Documents before Wealden Council say this aspiration has brought the owners of the gate house into dispute with some park residents and the planning application is the result of a legal settlement for methods of traffic calming and restriction.
Measures include traffic calming kerbs, removal of fir trees and laurel that restrict road sight lines to Batts Bridge Road, the planting of three yew trees to provide a visibility splay to the front and a hedge to replace the line of fir trees on the boundary.
There would also be signs showing that entering traffic has priority over outgoing vehicles.
The emergency services have indicated they would not try to enter the park through the arch. There are two other access roads.
Wealden Council has indicated that planning permission is not required. WD/08/1223 (Added to site Friday, May 23, 2008)

Egg laying unit proposals approved
Proposals to build a 12,000-bird free-range egg laying unit on land to the west of Five Chimneys Farm, Curtains Hill, Hadlow Down, have been approved by Wealden Council.
Planning documents said the applicant Martin Osborn already had a 75,000 bird free range egg laying unit to the east side of the farm and the new plan would enable expansion of the enterprise. WD/2008/0386/O (Added to site Thursday, May 22, 2008)

Hotel rooms plan refused
Plans to convert two Uckfield homes into hotel rooms have been refused by Wealden Council.
The proposal for Mermaid cottage, Church Street and the Tab at the Maidens head Hotel, included removing an internal staircase, building a new one, building new internal timber steel partitions and other internal alterations.
Wealden refused listed building consent saying no justification had been provided for the internal alterations. Nor was there any information regarding the impact of the proposals on the historic fabric of the building ‘in so far as it is considered that the proposed works would have a detrimental impact on the fabric and future interpretation of the listed building’. (Added to site Wednesday, May 21, 2008)

New website promotes concerts and shows
Uckfield Town Council has launched a new website to promote concerts and shows at the Civic Centre. The site at www.uckfieldciviccentre.com also carries information about room hire, Luxfords Restaurant and the in-house catering service. (Added to site Tuesday, May 20, 2008)

Progress report expected on rail study
Network Rail will be reporting progress this week on a study into the possible reinstatement of the Lewes-Uckfield railway line.
The Central Rail Corridor Board, which is due to meet on Friday, had hoped the study would be completed by this stage but it is expected to continue for another four weeks because of delays faced by consultants in receiving information.
Another board meeting is scheduled for the end of June and it is expected that Network Rail will make a presentation then on the final study with a press release issued afterwards. (Added to site Monday, May 19, 2008)

Plans to redevelop convent site
Plans have been submitted to demolish St Michael’s Convent, Uckfield, and build a 25-place nursery school annexed to St Philip’s School, 30 flats and a detached house on the site.
Access to church and school would be from the High Street with egress from Old Timbers Lane. Access and egress for the residential development would be from Old Timbers Lane. WD/2008/0292. (Added to site Friday, May 16, 2008)

Fight to save village pharmacy
The fight is on to save a village pharmacy which is threatened with closure because doctors have been given permission to dispense drugs from a nearby surgery.
An emergency meeting of Newick Parish Council was told on Tuesday night that loss of business could lead to closure of the pharmacy and the loss of home deliveries of medicines that many depend on.
Councillors immediately launched a campaign to Save the Chemist, distributing leaflets urging villagers to sign petitions which can be found in village shops.
Local MP Norman Baker has been contacted and Baroness Cumberlege, a former health minister, who lives in Newick has tabled questions in the House of Lords. (Added to site Thursday, May 15, 2008)
Read more.

Councillors meet to choose mayor
Uckfield councillors will choose a mayor on Monday to serve the town over the next year. Currently the mayor is Cllr Louise Eastwood.
During the town council’s annual statutory meeting in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre an election will also be held to choose a deputy mayor, a post currently held by Cllr Alan Whittaker. (Added to site Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

School aims to provide covered play areas
Proposals which would provide access to covered play areas from two classrooms at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Uckfield are before Wealden Council.
Two lightweight canopies could be fixed to the church side of the school building to create ‘well equipped and supervised external play areas’. Two replacement windows would provide improved views and daylight in one of the classrooms.
According to documents before the council the plan follows a recent Ofsted inspection which recommended that improved provision be made for reception class children who had an inadequate external play area. (Added to site Tuesday, May 13, 2008)

Proposals for 50 mph speed limit
A 50mph speed limit could be introduced on the A26 at Isfield. East Sussex County Council is advertising the proposal saying that any objections should be made by June 6, 2008.
The limit would run from a point 25 metres southwest of the southwestern kerbline of Kiln Lane north-eastwards and northwards to a point 191 metres southwest of the junction with the roundabout at the A22.
The aim is to reduce speeds along the A26, improve the local environment for residents and contribute to road safety. (Added to site Monday, May 12, 2008)

Date for opening of extension to nature reserve

An extension to the Hempstead Meadows Local Nature Reserve in Uckfield is due be officially opened during the town's festival in July.

Chairman of the reserve Dr Martyn Stenning is due to lead a walk taking in the historic wetland area and a new boardwalk across it on Saturday, July 19. An opening ceremony will be held during the tour.

The reserve extension is being given to the town council by Rydon Homes as part of a planning agreement relating to its development in Sunnybrooke, off Hempstead Road. More. (Added to site Friday, May 9, 2008)

Plans to build flood wall and embankment

Plans have  been submitted to build a flood wall in Uckfield in the Somerfield car park running next to River Way. The Environment Agency scheme includes installation of a flood gate and a vehicular access ramp with a flood embankment between the access ramp and the disused public conveniences. WD/2008/1184 (Added to site Thursday, May 8, 2008)

Church commissions sculpture to mark jubilee 

Uckfield Catholic church has commissioned 'the best sculptor in the land' to create a seven foot figure of Christ to fix to the church's bell tower.

The commission is part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the church in New Town. Major renovations are also to be undertaken along with a doubling of the floor space within the church centre.

Next week, on Saturday, May 17, a Golden Jubilee Gala Concert is due to take place featuring the Ashdown Singers and The Wealden Chamber Orchestra who will perform Haydn's Paukenmesse, popularly known as the Kettledrum Mass.

In June the Rt Rev Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, is due to conduct a Confirmation service and in September he is due to return to conduct a service of thanksgiving.

Click here to read more about the sculpture which has been commissioned by parishioners. (Added to site Wednesday, May 7, 2008)

Concern over use of sun beds at leisure centres
Questions are being asked at Wealden Council about the use of sun beds at Freedom Leisure centres because of risks associated with skin cancer.
Cllr Nick Ellwood said in a written question that when the council ran the leisure facilities all sun beds were removed on medical advice but more have been installed by Freedom Leisure ‘putting those that use them in extreme danger of contracting skin cancer’.
In answering the question Peter Griggs, head of public health and community development, said that the issues raised by the question would be included on the agenda of the next partnership meeting, when the future use of tanning equipment and the controls over its use would be discussed. (Added to site Tuesday, May 6, 2008)

Campaigners now know scale of challenge
Campaigners working to restore Lime Tree Avenue in Uckfield now know exactly what work needs doing to bring the historic carriageway up to a standard where East Sussex County Council’s highway department would consider adoption.
Secretary Mike Benians said the scale of the task that lay ahead was huge and a major fund-raising drive would be necessary. More (Added to site Friday, May 2, 2008)

Read Wealden MP Charles Hendry's testimonial to the work of Lime Aid on the organisation's website at http://www.limetreeavenue.co.uk/testimonials.aspx.  

Names suggested for streets on new development
Names have been suggested by Uckfield Town Council for streets on a new development of 220 homes to be built at Eastbourne Road, Ridgewood. They include: Baxendale Way (the name of an old local family and land owner of the area), Larch End, The Spinney, Ponds View, Teelings Drive (this area was once known as Teelings Common), Old Common, Spring Rise and Nightingale View. (Added to site Thursday, May 1, 2008)