Jan-Apr 2008
The following stories appeared on the cwassoc website between January and April, 2008, inclusive.
Planning inspector refuses eco house appeal
A planning appeal against refusal of permission to build an eco house in the countryside has been turned down by a Government inspector.
Mr Desmond Gunner sought permission to build the house at Blackboys to secure stewardship of land but the inspector said the argument that a dwelling was needed to secure a commitment to stewardship seemed ‘misplaced’.
Mr Paul Griffiths said Mr Gunner clearly took stewardship of his land very seriously and he saw at the site visit the extent of planting and land management undertaken.
But he said ‘the value of stewardship must be questioned if the dwelling purported to be required in order to secure it would, as I have found, have a harmful impact on its surroundings’.
Rather than grow out of the landscape he said the proposed home, south of Possingworth Lane and opposite Brykden Place, would ‘perch unhappily upon it’. It would fail to respond sensitively to the defining characteristics of the site.
The inspector was also critical of technological aspects of the design. He said there was nothing ground-breaking about them and they did not represent the highest standards in contemporary architecture.
Whether the house would perform in a ‘zero carbon’ fashion would depend on the conduct of the occupants and the isolated nature of the site would generate trips by private car.
Mr Griffiths said there were other means, such as grant schemes referred to at the appeal hearing that could secure enhancement of the landscape in a more sustainable manner. (Added to site Wednesday, April 30, 2008)
Barns could be converted to business use
Barns at a farm in Five Ash Down could be converted to business use with one residential unit provided. In addition modern barns at Strawberry Hall Farm in Cobdown Lane could be demolished and car parking provided. The planning application before Wealden Council has been submitted by Mr Roy Hibberd. WD/2008/0818/F (Added to site Tuesday, April 29, 2008)
Pottery business could open at farm
A pottery painting business is hoping to move to Holmes Hill Farm at Whitesmith and has submitted a planning application to change the use of a building there.
The MasterPiece Studio has to move out of its current premises at The Old Loom Mill in Hailsham by the end of this month and the owner, Gillian Ticehurst, says in a letter accompanying her application that Holmes Hill is an ideal site for them, easily accessible and in a safe position for children with pleasant surroundings and a tea room.
The studio would be open six days a week between 10am and 5pm. WD/2008/0738/F (Added to site Monday, April 28, 2008)
Council defends tactics used at inquiry
Wealden Council has defended its tactics used during the opening stages of a planning appeal into the refusals of three major applications in Uckfield, two at Bird-in-Eye and one at Downlands Farm.
Uckfield Town Council had questioned the way Wealden’s representatives listed in advance a priority framework clarifying what might be a least worst outcome if the inspector was minded to approve any of the schemes.
The head of planning building control has written to the town council pointing out the complexity of one inquiry dealing with three ‘highly controversial’ sites, which meant that Wealden had not one but three adversaries all seeking to overturn council decisions to refuse permission to build.
The letter which will be considered at a full council meeting on Monday says when Wealden employs counsel and planning consultants it relies on their best judgement to take such tactical decisions to further the position of the council’s planned policies.
‘Clearly the council did not and still does not, support the approval of any of the sites but the council has to anticipate the possibility of the Secretary of State taking the view that one or more appeals should be allowed to provide additional housing land.
‘In such circumstances the preference of the council would be for the least damage to be caused, with as few as possible houses coming forward via this unplanned appeal process,’ says the letter. (Added to site Friday, April 25, 2008)
Reggae and ska on festival programme
Reggae and ska have been added to the mix that will make up this year’s Uckfield Festival. July’s programme now includes everything from soul to baroque, jazz to folk and from classical to pop.
Bringing reggae and ska will be The Eskalators who play at the Cinque Ports Club on Tuesday, July 15. For more information about the festival, which runs from July 11 to 20, call 01825 762294. (Added to site Thursday, April 24, 2008)
School building plans approved
Plans to extend the reception classroom at Little Horsted Primary School have been approved by Wealden Council. Permission has also been given to remove covered play canopy and replace it with a new one. WD/2008/0637/F (Added to site Wednesday, April 23, 2008)
Exhibition focuses on war and the forest
An exhibition focusing on how wars and conflict have affected the Ashdown Forest is due to open tomorrow (Wednesday). The period covered stretches from the Romans to World War 2 and the exhibition shows, for example, how the forest has been home to armies and a site for weapons manufacture.
Wealden District Council chairman Cllr Chantal Wilson is due to open the exhibition at the Ashdown Forest Centre at Wych Cross at about 5pm. (Added to site Tuesday, April 22, 2008)
Flood management policy document published
The Environment Agency has advertisted publication of a document which sets out guidance for flood management in the River Ouse catchment area.
It says the policy document is available for consultation and can be seen at libraries in Uckfield, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Ringmer, Seaford and Saltdean.
It also says the River Ouse Catchment Flood Management Plan can be seen at its website but yesterday our researcher could only find a scoping document prepared in October 2006.
Opinions on the document must be sent to the Environment Agency by July 7, 2008. (Added to site Monday, April 21, 2008)
Council supports idea of youth mayor
A youth council could be formed in Uckfield if enough people are interested in getting involved, mayor Cllr Louise Eastwood told the annual town meeting last week. She said the town council would very much like to have a youth council and a youth mayor.
She hoped a link evolving with the present group of young adults working to decorate and formulate ideas for the running of the former Adult Learning Centre, next to the Luxford car park, might help lead to a youth council being formed. (Friday, April 18, 2008)
Business gets permission to expand premises
An Easons Green company has been given planning permission to expand its premises. Refrigerated Vehicles which initially sought permission to demolish existing industrial units and re-build now has approval to build additional units at the Squires Farm Industrial Estate. WD/2007/3570. (Added to site Thursday, April 17, 2008)
Landowners discuss town centre plans
Landowners working together on plans to redevelop Uckfield town centre were due to meet yesterday to decide how to proceed.
The town council, East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue were due to consider how to implement a town centre masterplan and how best to keep residents informed of the progress made.
Details of the meeting were revealed by Uckfield mayor Cllr Louise Eastwood at the annual town meeting last week. (Added to site Wednesday, April 16, 2008)
Proposals for business unit at farm
A business unit could be built at Mill House Farm, Maresfield. A planning application before Wealden Council includes provision of parking spaces on existing concrete areas and the installation of a mini-sewage treatment plant. WD/2008/0682/O (Added to site Tuesday, April 15, 2008)
Weddings could be held at Bentley Wildfowl
An application has been made for weddings to be held at the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum. Details of the application can be inspected at the Crowborough Register Office, Beaconwood, Beacon Road, Crowborough, or the Southover Grange, Southover Road, Lewes. (Added to site Monday, April 14, 2008)
Tug-of-war team to drag bells back into church
A tug-of-war team is due to drag eight bells back into a Buxted church today when they return after an absence of three months.
The bells are due to arrive at St Margaret’s Church in Buxted Park at 10am and be lowered over the churchyard wall by tractor before being dragged into the church.
They will be on display in the church on Saturday and Sunday – see our Diary Dates page for times – and then be hoisted back into the bell tower on Monday.
Project co-ordinator Homer Cox said: ‘This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event in the history of St Margaret’s and visitors will be most welcome on any of the four days, subject to observing health and safety restrictions.' Click here to read how this story started. (Added to site Friday, April 11, 2008)
Working party will look at paths problem
A working party is to be set up by Uckfield Town Council to try to find a way of solving a problem of poorly-maintained footpaths on the Manor Park Estate.
Some councillors opposed the idea at a meeting of the environment and leisure committee on Monday because the footpaths are privately owned.
Cllr Barrie Murray said: ‘Until people pay up and look after what they are supposed to be looking after we will always have this problem up there.’
But Cllr Dorothy Sparks said she was continually having people phoning and writing asking for something to be done about the paths and just because previous efforts to solve the problem had failed it didn’t mean they shouldn’t try again.
Chairman Cllr Alan Whittaker said members should consider the health and safety aspect. ‘The footpaths are in very bad condition indeed. We do have a duty as a council to look at these sorts of issues.’
• The Uckfield organisation Lime Aid which is campaigning to restore Lime Tree Avenue in the town has welcomed the initiative. The problems with the footpaths are similar to those in the avenue. Read more. (Added to site Thursday, April 10, 2008)
Spring water firm seeks 24-hour security
A new home could be built to house the manager of a spring water company in Eastbourne Road, Uckfield, if a planning application before Wealden Council is approved.
The single storey building would be sited between the Barley Mow Caravan Park to the west, Palegate Cottage to the east and the rugby football ground to the north.
Documents accompanying the application say the general manager of Silver Spa would live in the house and offer 24-hour security against theft and vandalism in polluting the source of the spring water. WD/2008/0728/O (Added to site Wednesday, April 9, 2008)
Company withdraws plan for new industrial units
Plans to demolish and replace industrial units and an office block on the Squires Farm Industrial Estate at Easons Green have been withdrawn. The application was made by Refrigerated Vehicles. WD/2007/3542. (Added to site Tuesday, April 8, 2008)
Bushcraft skills could be taught in Nutley
A camping experience and the opportunity to learn bushcraft skills could be provided for children if a planning application before Wealden Council is approved.
A plan for formalise the use of land at Bunters Field, Bell Lane, Nutley, to provide an ‘educational opportunity for young children to develop an affinity with nature’ has been submitted by Mr and Mrs C.L. Beale. WD/2008/0502. (Added to site Monday, April 7, 2008)
Reward could be offered to catch arsonists
A reward of up to £100 could be offered in a bid to catch arsonists who damaged the pavilion at the West Park Estate in Uckfield.
Repairs have now been carried out following an insurance claim, according to minutes of a town council general purposes committee, and advice has been sought from the police on offering a reward to assist in catching those responsible for causing the damage. (Added to site Friday, April 4, 2008)
Youth mayor idea is on agenda
Uckfield Town Council is being asked to consider making arrangements for the election of a Youth Mayor in a bid to fully engage with young people.
The matter is to be raised by county councillor Paul Sparks at the annual town meeting on Tuesday, (April 8) at the Civic Centre. The meeting starts at 7.30pm but tea and coffee will be available from 6.45pm. (Added to site Wednesday, April 2, 2008)
Council awards community grants
Grants totalling nearly £80,000 have been announced to 16 community groups within Wealden by the district council.
Thirty-seven applications were received and among recipients, in the Uckfield area, were the Buxted Court Arts and Crafts Society which is to receive nearly £,3000. This will enable members, in Buxted Court sheltered accommodation, to develop skills in computer generated imagery to produce artwork for exhibition and greetings cards and calendars for sale.
The Uckfield PHAB Club, which brings together physically able and disabled people in a social setting, is to be given nearly £1,000 to deliver a new and extended programme of arts and crafts to members.
Part of a grant to the Mastersports and Play Community Interest Company is to go towards enabling older people to take part in Boccia – a sport like French Boules for people with a disability – in the
Sensory room proposal gets go ahead
Proposals to build a wooden cabin for use as a sensory room by adults with learning disabilities have been approved by Wealden Council. The plan for Linden Cottage, Linden Chase, Uckfield, was submitted by Elizabeth FitzRoy Support. (Added to site Monday, March 31, 2008)
Plans for new motorcycle showroom approved
Permission has been given for a new motorcycle showroom and workshop to be built at Cross in Hand following demolition of the existing showroom. The application was made by J.W. Groombridge Mototcycles who bought the Mayfield Road site in 2006. WD/2008/0281 (Added to site Friday, March 28, 2008)
Tourism survey identifies visitors
The majority of visitors seeking accommodation in Wealden are from the UK with tourists from France, Germany and the Netherlands making up between five and ten per cent of the total and tourists from the US making up five per cent.
The district council has carried out its first tourism business economy survey to assess occupancy levels and other factors affecting accommodation businesses in Wealden.
One conclusion was that the performance of businesses varied considerably. Most were independently operated and many were ‘lifestyle’ businesses – set up with the aim of sustaining a particular level of income or to provide a foundation from which to enjoy a particular lifestyle.
‘Their trading performance thus usually depends on the abilities, ambition and personal circumstances of the owners,’ a briefing document for councillors said. (Added to site Thursday, March 27, 2008)
Affordable homes plan approved
Plans have been approved to build six affordable homes in Lealands Drive, Uckfield. The Raglan Housing Association has been given permission to build two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom flats. (Added to site Wednesday, March 26, 2008)
Radio station gears up for summer broadcasts
Uckfield FM is gearing up for broadcasting during the town’s festival this summer and looking for local bands, groups and singers who would like to feature on a Sunday evening programme.
The local radio team is also compiling a What’s On guide and would like to hear from anybody planning events. In addition it is planning workshops to show how a radio station runs and inviting people aged over 18 to take part. For more information see www.uckfieldfm.co.uk. (Added to site Tuesday, March 25, 2008)
CCTV system to be upgraded
The police are planning to upgrade the CCTV system in Uckfield. They have set aside £6,000 for new equipment and asked the town council to buy it on their behalf. The council is due to consider the request at a meeting of the general purposes committee on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. (Added to site Thursday, March 20, 2008)
Lime Aid offers help after near disaster
Four poplars are to be felled in the interests of safety following a near disaster last week which was prevented only by the quick-thinking of a head teacher.
Click here to read how Lime Aid, the organisation campaigning to restore Lime Tree Avenue, next to Uckfield Community Technology College, has offered to fund felling of the trees after one was unexpectedly blown down. (Added to site Wednesday, March 19, 2008)
Campaigners publish case for revival of rail links
Campaigners working towards the revival of rail links between Uckfield and Lewes and Eridge and Tunbridge Wells have launched a publication arguing their case.
The 28-page full colour document is called Wealdenlink and promotes the lines as part of a regenerated route from London to the South Coast. It can be viewed at www.wealdenlink.org.uk. (Added to site Tuesday, March 18, 2008)
Proposals for improvements at school
Proposals to extend and alter the reception classroom at Little Horsted School have been submitted to Wealden Council by the governors. A canopy providing a covered play area could also be replaced. WD/2008/0029. (Added to site Monday, March 17, 2008)
Doctors' surgery plans approved
Plans to build a doctors' surgery on land next to the B2102 at the southern end of West Park, Uckfield, have been approved by Wealden Council. WD/2005/0042. (Added to site Friday, March 14, 2008)
Nursery could be built at Manor primary
Nursery accommodation could be built at Manor Primary School in Downsview Crescent, Uckfield.
A proposal for a new single-storey pitched roof, timber-framed and brick clad building was considered by Uckfield Town Council Plans Committee on Monday night. Members offered no objections to the county council application which will also be considered by Wealden councillors.
(Added to site Thursday, March 13)
Celebrations at Bluebell Railway on Sunday
There will be celebrations at the Bluebell Railway on Sunday, March 16, to mark the 100th birthday of its preservation society chairman, Bernard Holden.
Members of the Royal Engineers Association will be there along with three of the four original students who had the idea of setting up the Bluebell Railway when Dr Beeching was axing many lines.
Mr Holden was born at Barcombe Station in 1908 to a highly respected railway family. His whole life has been involved with railways from Barcombe to Bengal. He was with the 191 Rail Operations Company in India and later commissioned into the Indian Army.
He was instrumental in the formation of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society in 1959 and awarded the MBE in 1992 for services to railway preservation.
The celebrations begin at Sheffield Park Station at 2pm. (Added to site Wednesday, March 12)
Challenge to cut down on rubbish
Wealden residents are being challenged to cut down on the amount of landfill rubbish thrown away.
Council leader Pam Doodes said she and her husband Peter had been able to get a week’s landfill rubbish down to just 250 grams, not enough to fill a carrier bag, let alone a wheelie bin.
‘The best way to start cutting down on the amount of landfill rubbish you throw away is to take home less rubbish to begin with,’ said Cllr Doodes.
‘When out shopping ask to leave any unnecessary packaging at the store, and take your own shopping bsket with you rather than expect to be provided with carrier bags wherever you go. And if you cannot avoid taking some packaging home look for other ways of re-using it before getting rid of it.’ (Added to site Tuesday, March 11)
Road to close during re-surfacing
Re-surfacing work is due to take place in The Drive, Uckfield, starting on Tuesday, March 25, and finish on Monday, March 31, 2008. There will be temporary closures of the road with signs for alternative routes. (Added to site Monday, March 10)
New home in garden proposal refused
Proposals to build a new home on a garden beside 18 and 19 Bird-in-Eye Cottages at Bird-in-Eye Hill, Uckfield, have been refused by Wealden Council. (Added to site Friday, March 7, 2008)
Plans to extend village schools
Plans have been submitted to extend two village schools. A new classroom, staffroom and ICT room could be built along with an external play deck at St Mark’s in Hadlow Down and there are also proposals before Wealden to extend and alter Framfield Primary School. (Added to site Thursday, March 6, 2008)
Views of the past captured in aerial pictures
Aerial pictures of Uckfield dating back to 1947 are on display in the town’s library in an exhibition prepared by Crowborough-based photographer Steve Sullivan.
The most recent were taken by Steve himself, who is in the process of setting up a library of all the pictures he carries. He said it was very interesting to compare the aerial views taken at different times.
‘The 1947 picture is particularly sweet,’ he said. ‘It shows Uckfield as a tiny village with a train pulling out of the station setting off for Lewes.’
Lime Aid, an organisation campaigning to restore Lime Tree Avenue in the town, has been given permission by Steve to display a 1966 aerial view on its website. See whether you can spot the avenue in the picture in the gallery at www.limetreeavenue.co.uk. (Added to site Wednesday, March 5, 2008)
Day of dance planned at festival
A day of dance, movement and mime is being planned as part of this year’s Uckfield Festival with classes, workshops, demonstrations and performances being held to suit all abilities.
Anybody interested in learning more about the event is invited to a meeting this Saturday (March 8) at the Ashdown Room, Uckfield Civic Centre, at 6.30pm.
The dance day is due to be held on Saturday, July 19. More detail is available by contacting festival committee member Bernard Tagliavini on 01825 765142 or 0795 846 0616. (Added to site Tuesday, March 4, 2008)
Affordable homes plans set for approval
Proposals for affordable homes to be built on former parking areas at Lealands Drive and Campbell Close, Uckfield, are recommended for approval at a meeting of the Wealden development control, north, sub-committee on Thursday.
The Lealands Drive plan is for two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom flats with eight parking spaces while at Campbell Close two three-bedroom semi-detached houses with four parking spaces would be provided. (Added to site Monday, March 3, 2008)
Plans for 12,000 bird egg laying unit
Plans have been submitted for a 12,000-bird free-range egg laying unit on land to the west of Five Chimneys Farm, Hadlow Down. The application before Wealden Council is from Lee Kitchener Ltd, of Five Chimneys Farm. A similar application was previously refused. This re-submission reduces the width, eaves height and ridge height of the building and involves hedgerow and tree planting. WD/2008/0386 (Added to site Friday, February 29, 2008)
Help needed to clear river
Helpers are needed to take part in the annual River Uck clear-up which is due to take place in Uckfield next week on Sunday, March 9.
It is being organised by the Sussex Ouse Conservation Society and the aim is to clear the river from the Somerfield car park down to the by-pass.
Anybody interested in helping is invited to meet at the Bell Walk car park at 9.30am. (Added to site Thursday, February 28, 2008)
Fun run and triathlon may be held in town
A fun run and triathlon may feature as part of a community sports festival planned to take place in Uckfield this year to coincide with the town’s festival.
Wealden Council wants to encourage adults and young people to take up activities and enjoy taster sessions of various events through local sports clubs and Uckfield has been chosen for the first sports festival. Other towns will be involved in subsequent years.
A grant of more than £45,000 has been given by Sport England towards improving sporting activities for young people families and adults in work places during the next three years. The money will go towards the initiative dubbed Wealden On the Move. (Added to site Wednesday, February 27, 2008)
Sandpits plan recommended for approval
Details of a scheme to build 60 homes at Sandpits, off Lewes Road in Uckfield, are due to be considered at a meeting of the Wealden Development Control, North, Sub-Committee today.
An officer’s report recommends approval subject to minor amendments and conditions.
Rydon Homes already has outline planning permission for development at the site. The application being discussed today covers reserved matters. (Added to site Tuesday, February 26, 2008)
Plans for telecommunications mast at school
Plans to install telecommunications equipment at Bonners School, Maresfield, are before Wealden Council. The application for a 15m telegraph pole supporting one square panel antenna has been submitted on behalf of East Sussex County Council. Similar plans have been submitted for other primary schools within the district including Rotherfield and Wadhurst. WD/08/0367 (Added to site Monday, February 25, 2008)
Farm buildings could be converted
Four disused farm buildings at Horstedpond Farm, Lewes Road, Uckfield, could be converted to three homes with garage and storage buildings if plans before Wealden Council are approved.
An oasthouse at has already been converted to two homes and the latest proposal is to convert a barn, milking parlour and calving shed. A wagon lodge next to the milking parlour could be annexed to that building.
Planning documents from Chalvington Barns before Wealden Council say the aim is to retain the complex of the buildings as a whole and remove ‘unsightly, modern structures to enhance the character and appearance of the historic buildings’. WD/2008/0331/F (Added to site Friday, February 22, 2008)
Support for Ridgewood Rise proposal
Outline planning permission has been given to build a new 48-bed residential unit for the elderly at Ridgewood Rise, Highview Lane, Uckfield.
Members of East Sussex County Council’s planning committee approved the application, subject to conditions, yesterday. It includes consulting rooms and a refreshment centre. (Added to site Thursday, February 21, 2008)
Plans to expand Buxted Park Hotel
Four buildings at the Buxted Park Hotel could be converted to provide 15 new bedrooms and a leisure facility.
Proposals are before Wealden Council to build extensions for a bedroom entrance/bathroom and a gymnasium and for works to improve a courtyard area between the buildings which are currently used for staff accommodation, storage and laundry. There are 44 bedrooms at the hotel at the moment. WD/2008/0223 (Added to site Wednesday, February 20, 2008)
Final phase of development proposed
Plans have been submitted for the final phase of a development by Rydon Homes off Hempstead Lane, in Uckfield.
The latest scheme, before Wealden Council, is for five detached homes to the west of the former Sunnybrooke House. (Added to site Tuesday, February 19, 2008) More
Uckfield FM seeks summer bookings
Uckfield FM is hoping local organisations and schools will help the voluntary radio station by booking its services for discos and public address systems during the summer.
Chairman Mike Skinner said: ‘Every school has a summer fete or event, local organisations have fun days which need a public address system, members of the local community have birthdays and get married. We can provide the entertainment or amplification at these events at very competitive rates.’ The station can be contacted on 01825-890150.
The station is currently putting together an application to provide community radio in Uckfield.
(Added to site Monday, February 18, 2008)
Church car park could be extended
The car park at Herons Ghyll Catholic church could be extended from its present 30 spaces to 45. A planning application has been submitted to Wealden Council by the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton.
A design and access statement said the layout was arranged to maintain as many trees as possible and to allow an informal arrangement of parking among them. Access and turning facilities were included to allow improved mobility use and for vehicle access to weddings and funerals. (Added to site Friday, February 15, 2008)
Industrial units and office block could be replaced
Industrial units and an office block at Squires Farm Industrial Estate, Easons Green could be demolished and replaced with new units and purpose built office and store. Plans have been submitted by Refrigerated Vehicles who also hope to build additional work units to allow ‘expansion and rationalisation’ of the company. (WD/2007/3542 and 3570) (Added to site Thursday, February 14, 2008)
Plans to demolish St Michael’s Convent
Plans have been submitted to demolish St Michael’s Convent in New Town, Uckfield, and build 30 flats, one house and a new nursery class for St Philip’s School.
The proposal, from the Catholic diocese of Arundel and Brighton, includes widening and improving Old Timbers Lane and altering the existing accesses to the convent and to St Philip’s School. (Added to site Wednesday, February 13, 2008)
Bus family refused permission to stay at wood
Bus dwellers have been refused permission to continue living in a double decker on land at Quicken Wood, Lewes Road, Blackboys.
A report to members of the Wealden development control, north, sub-committee which met on Thursday had recommended refusal and the decision is reported on the council website. Officers said insufficient evidence had been submitted to demonstrate an appropriate degree of self-sufficiency and subsistence in accordance with an appeal decision and the proposal represented unwarranted development in a rural location. (Added to site Tuesday, February 12, 2008)
Travellers' site facilities to be upgraded
Services and facilities at a travellers’ site at Maresfield look set to be upgraded. East Sussex County Council’s proposals for the site in Batts Bridge Road - next to land being developed for a waste transfer station - include improving street lighting, resurfacing an access road, removing earth bunds and replacing six utility blocks with four double utility blocks. A planning application has been submitted to Wealden Council. WD/2008/0236 (Added to site Monday, February 11, 2008)
Showroom could be demolished
Proposals have been made to demolish a motor-cycle showroom at Cross-in-Hand and replace it with a new two-storey showroom.
The existing structure, used by J.W. Groombridge Motorcycles, in Mayfield Road has a serious problem with water penetration, according to documents before Wealden Council. A design and access statement says this is due to part of theexisting concrete framework having 'concrete cancer'. (Added to site Friday, February 8, 2008)
Uckfield FM wants to be permanent station
Uckfield FM volunteers are preparing an application seeking approval for a permanent radio station in the town.
The regulatory body Ofcom are expected to announce any day now that the application process for Community Radio will begin for the south east of England. It will be Ofcom which decides whether the Uckfield FM bid should succeed.
Chairman of the local station Mike Skinner said its popularity was going from strength to strength. It goes on air each summer to support the Uckfield Festival and gave its first Christmas broadcasts last year. (Added to site Thursday, February 7, 2008)
Decision on Holy Cross homes could be deferred
Councillors are being advised to defer making a decision on an application to build six new homes on land next to Holy Cross Church in Belmont Road, Uckfield. The scheme would allow refurbishment of the neighbouring church centre and is due to be considered by Wealden Council’s development control sub-committee tomorrow (Thursday, February 7). But officers are advising that members wait until the views of the highway authority have been received before making a decision. (Added to site Wednesday, February 6, 2008)
Hotel rooms plan approved
Permission has been given to provide hotel rooms in houses next to the Just So Bar at the top of Uckfield high Street. The change of use relates to Mermaid Cottage in Church Street and The Tab at the Maidens Head Hotel. The application was made by The Chapman Group. (Added Tuesday, February 5, 2008)
Recommendation goes against bus family
Councillors are being recommended to refuse permission for a family living in a double decker bus on woodland at Blackboys to remain there.
The family had temporary permission to stay on the site but a report to members of the Wealden Council development control, north, sub-committee, which meets on Thursday says that while they have had the benefit of more than four years on the site and there is no doubt of their intentions to live an environmentally friendly and self-sufficient lifestyle there is limited activity on the site.
The council report says the planning inspector who gave the temporary permission took the view that the need of the applicants outweighed the harm the development had caused but the the combination of activities which had taken place there, together with those proposed, were not considered to demonstrate the viability of the enterprise to meet tests which would justify an on-site presence.
‘The unwarranted addition to scattered development in the countryside and the visual impact of the development within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also of concern,' the report adds. (Added Monday, February 4, 2008)
Decision on council headquarters delayed
Wealden councillors have delayed making a decision on where to locate their new headquarters. They want to take account of master plans, for future development, being drawn up in towns across the district.
The council currently has offices in Crowborough and Hailsham but proposes having a single headquarters. Sites being considered include the Ashdown Business Park at Maresfield and the current council site at Hailsham.
Cabinet portfolio holder for change management, Cllr Norman Buck said: ‘Any decision on a single site headquarters would have an effect on community planning and infrastructure needs in the district. That is why we are setting up a working party of members to carry out an in-depth study of all the considerations for a single site headquarters location, linking in with the town master plans. (Added Friday, February 1, 2008)
Pitches available at festival Big Day
Bookings are being taken from organisations wanting to take part in Uckfield Festival Big Day activities.
Pitches are available on the Luxford Field and organisers would like to hear from businesses, charities and societies interested in taking them up.
Crowds are drawn to the town for the Big Day, which this year is on Saturday, July 12, to see the High Street procession, watch arena events, street theatre and visit the European market.
The secretary can be contacted on 01825-762294. (Added Thursday, January 31, 2008)
New homes proposed on Manor Park
Plans have been submitted to build two semi-detached homes on land next to 42 Jeffreys Way on the Manor Park Estate, Uckfield.
Number 42 is at the end of a row of houses adjacent to London Road and the development site is within its curtilage on land between the house and the highway. Four parking spaces are proposed. WD/07/3362 (Added Wednesday, January 30, 2008)
Council assesses 500 homes proposal
Wealden Council has listed the information it will require if proposals to develop 22 hectares of land at Mill House Farm, Maresfield, are pursued.
Barratt Developments requested the screening opinion on a scheme to build up to 500 homes and 3,000 to 4,000 sq m of retail, workshop and community facilities there.
Wealden says a full Environmental Impact Assessment would be required in view of the scale and nature of the development and potential impacts upon sensitive aspects of the local environment.
Planning permission has already been given for 80 homes at nearby Park Farm, Maresfield, and land has been allocated for the Ashdown Business Park and the cumulative impact of additional development should be taken into account.
The council also points out that the development may result in the loss of some woodland, including Ancient Woodland, trees and hedgerows.
‘This undeveloped land, together with features such as farm buildings, waterways and ponds, has potential for rare and protected species to exist. Therefore, there are potential implications for loss of habitat,' it says.
The council’s response to the request for a screening opinion, which is published on its website, says a design and access statement should be submitted as part of any planning application along with a full transport assessment and safety audit. (Added Tuesday, January 29, 2008)
Farmers' market is best in Sussex
Uckfield Farmers' Market is the best in Sussex and has an award to prove it. It won the title ‘Best Farmers' Market in Sussex’ at the Sussex Food and Drink Award with the announcement being made at a ceremony last week.
About 40 stallholders come to the market on the first Saturday of each month and between 1200 and 1400 visitors call in. (Added to site Monday, January 28, 2008)
Café could be built at horse rescue premises
Plans to build a café at the Sussex Horse Rescue Trust premises in Hempstead Lane, Uckfield, are before Wealden Council.
A planning application also includes replacing a reception area building, providing a horse shelter and creating seasonal changing facilities within an existing main barn.
The scheme is due to go before Uckfield Town Council’s plans committee on Monday so that members’ comments can be forwarded to Wealden which will decide whether to approve. (Added to site Friday, January 25, 2007)
Land adjoining by-pass could be sold
Land near the Budletts Roundabout adjoining the Uckfield by-pass could be sold by East Sussex County Council.
The land which is adjacent to 1 The Mill House, Maresfield, was acquired as part of the by-pass in the 1980s and has an area of about 0.39 acres.
A transport and environment meeting on Monday (January 28) is being asked to declare the land surplus to requirements. A report says money raised from the sale would support the council’s capital programme. (Added to site Thursday, January 24, 2008)
New guide promotes Sussex
A new guide has been produced to promote Sussex. Wealden, Lewes, Horsham and Mid-Sussex Councils have worked together on the glossy brochure which offers information about what to see and do in the county. Free copies are available by calling 01271 336173 and it can be seen on line at www.enjoysussex.info. (Added to site Wednesday, January 23, 2008)
Plans for former cider factory
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Merrydown cider factory at Horam. A mix of business and residential buildings are proposed on land to the west of Little London Road.
A design and access statement submitted to Wealden Council, on behalf of David Wilson Homes and Merrydown, says: ‘The ambition is to create a scheme that balances the existing road and development against an open green space that is perceived as the new village heart and where the car does not dominate’.
The cider factory would not be forgotten because drawings show a cider press displayed as a feature on a green. WD/2007/3161. (Added to site Tuesday, January 22, 2008)
30 join Lime Aid task force
More than 30 volunteers worked throughout Saturday trimming the undergrowth in Lime Tree Avenue, Uckfield. They lopped the epicormic growth, or suckers, from about three-quarters of the 100 trees.
Photographers from the Argus, Leader, Courier and Sussex Express were there to record the event along with a cameraman from Meridian TV.
A slide show of the volunteers at work can be seen on the Lime Aid website under the task day tab. More details should be added to that site and the Lime Aid page here later. (Added to site Monday, January 21, 2008)
New tree to be planted during task day
A new tree is due to be planted tomorrow in historic Lime Tree Avenue, Uckfield, during a task day to cut back undergrowth. Anybody interested in helping during the day is invited to go along with loppers, secateurs, saws or yard brooms between 10am and 4pm. Take along a potato wrapped in foil and it can be cooked on a bonfire, there to burn cuttings, for your lunch.
For more information about the organisation set up to restore Lime Tree Avenue to its former glory see the new Lime Aid website at http://www.lime-aid.org.uk (Added to site Friday, January 18, 2008)
Centre refurbishment start date
Work is due to start on refurbishment of the former Adult Education Centre in Uckfield on January 28 and is expected to last two weeks.
The building, at the bottom of the Luxford car park, was bought by the town council for community use and £50,000 has been earmarked for initial works, including weatherproofing and repair of a roof leak in the entrance hall. (Added to site Thursday, January 17, 2008)
Council recruits will promote play
Play is to be promoted across Wealden over the next three years with the district council advertising for staff to organise, lead and deliver a ‘high quality programme’ for children and young people.
Big Lottery funding is enabling the council to recruit a full-time community play development officer and part time assistant community play development officer and the activities they promote will include use of a mobile skatepark, activity wall and play workshops. (Added to site Wednesday, January 16, 2008)
Town centre road to remain closed
Work is due to begin at the end of next week on structural repairs to a house in Framfield Road, Uckfield, damaged after a car ran into it.
East Sussex County Council has advertised an order which could keep the road closed until completion of the work expected by April 23.
Until then traffic will continue to be diverted along Harcourt Road though pedestrians should not be affected and residents should still have vehicular access. (Added to site Tuesday, January 15, 2008)
Council to finalise its budget
Uckfield Town Council will be finalising its budget for 2008/2009 at a meeting tonight (Monday, January 14) and deciding on the level of income it needs to seek through the Council Tax.
The figures prepared for the meeting show an increase in its precept of 4.28 per cent with a Band D Council Tax payer being charged £124.97 for 2008/2009 as compared with £119.84 for 2007/2008.
The council’s proposed expenditure for the new financial year is £1,183,436 an increase of £75,871 but £42,000 of that is expected to be taken from reserves. The council’s income is expected to fall by £450 from £454,806 in 2007/2008.
Wealden District Council collects the tax on behalf of town and parish councils, East Sussex County Council, the Police and fire service. (Added to site Monday, January 14, 2008)
Railway theme for festival parade
Railways will be the theme for the procession during the Big Day at this year’s Uckfield Festival. Schoolchildren will be working on the project in the weeks leading up to the festival with the aim being to celebrate the town’s railway history.
You can see the parade on Saturday, July 12, when there will also be a French market, street theatre and community stalls on Luxford Field. The festival will run until Sunday, July 20. (Added to site Friday, January 11, 2008)
500 new homes could be built in Maresfield
Five hundred homes could be built in Maresfield, along with 3,000 to 4,000 sq m of retail buildings, workshops and community facilities, if proposals being drawn up by Barratt Developments are approved.
The company has asked Wealden Council for a screening opinion on their plan to develop 22 hectares of agricultural land to the south of Maresfield at Mill House Farm.
A letter written on behalf of Barratt to Wealden says the proposed development ‘may give rise to significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its location and size’.
The proposals include enhancing the local recreation ground and a vehicular access designed to limit through traffic within the village. WD/2008/6500 (Added to site Thursday, January 10, 2008)
Inspector visits planning appeal sites
A Government inspector was yesterday (Tuesday, January 8, 2008) due to visit three sites in Uckfield which are the subject of planning appeals.
Opening statements are expected to be heard on Tuesday (January 16) by the inspector, Paul Dobsen, at the inquiry being held at the Civic Centre into refusal of permission to build at Bird-in-Eye (North), Bird-in-Eye (South) and Downlands Farm.
From Wednesday, for up to two days, the inquiry is expected to hear about housing land requirements and supply and then there should be three separate sessions for each appeal.
Downlands should be first, lasting eight days, Bird in Eye (North) next, lasting four days and then Bird in Eye (South), four days.
The inspector has said there would be small gaps between the three appeals, with possibly a whole or half-day after Downlands.
More detail about the appeals is contained on the Wealden Council website, top of the page under the headline Current News, at http://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning_and_building_control/index.aspx (Added to site Wednesday, January 9, 2008)
New technologies to be highlighted at flood fair
Special air bricks to protect wall cavities from incoming flood waters and hi-tech sandbags which can be easily stored but rapidly used to create a barrier against flooding are among new technologies which will be highlighted at a flood fair in Uckfield today (Tuesday, January 8).
Householders and business owners are invited along to the event at the civic centre from 2pm to 7.30pm which is being supported by Wealden Council, the National Flood Forum, the Environment Agency, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Uck Valley Flood Forum, Uckfield Town Council, East Sussex Fire and Rescue and East Sussex County Council. (Added to site Tuesday, January 8, 2008)
Bonfire treat for task force volunteers
Volunteers who join a task force to cut back undergrowth beneath lime trees in an historic Uckfield avenue will have the chance to cook their own potatoes on a bonfire for lunch.
The Lime Aid task day takes place on Saturday, January 19, between 10am and 4pm, and all you have to do to take part is go along to Lime Tree Avenue with loppers, secateurs, saws, rakes or yard brooms.
Chairman of Lime Aid, Dr Martyn Stenning, said the day should be great fun as well as benefiting the environment. More (Added to site Monday, January 7, 2008)
Bells to be lowered from tower on Monday
The eight bells of St Margaret’s Church, Buxted, are due to be removed from the tower on Monday (January 7) and members of the public are invited to watch from noon when they will start to be lowered to the floor of the church,
Food and drink will be available in the church and the proceeds will go towards the bell restoration cost. More (Added to site Friday, January 4, 2008)
Council struggles to meet housing need
Wealden Council is trying to find out how many of its tenants are living in properties larger than they need.
The council is surveying all tenants living in homes with two or more bedrooms and hoping to discover what it can do to encourage them to move to a smaller home.
The initiative was launched, according to a councillors’ bulletin, because Wealden is unable to build enough new housing to meet the high levels of need in the district. It is aware that some tenants are living in homes larger than they need while others are living in overcrowded conditions. (Added to site Thursday, January 3, 2008)
Church centre could be refurbished
Plans to refurbish the Holy Cross Church Centre in Uckfield and build five terraced homes and one detached home in the grounds are before Wealden Council.
The application has been submitted by Clearwater Property Investments and the parochial church council. It includes demolition of toilet facilities and an outbuilding. WD/2007/3631 (Added to site
Wednesday, January 2, 2008)