Cuckfield out in force for protest at Council offices as developers appeal against decision to stop huge housing plan

“Fairfax refuse to accept the Council’s ruling and, just as importantly, the voice of Cuckfield’s concerned community. Choosing instead to persist with an appeal which is ultimately profit-driven.”

Make or break day arrived for Cuckfield and neighbouring Ansty as The Cuckfield Society issued a June 9 rallying cry.

Many concerned villagers gathered for a peaceful protest at 9am outside Mid Sussex Council offices on Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath. There an appointed govenment inspector began proceedings, expected to take up to two weeks, before ruling on an appeal by Fairfax Aquisitions Ltd to build 1,450 homes on the edge of Cuckfield.

The Stop Cuck-Stye Campaign along with The Cuckfield Society wanted the inspector to witness the communities’ continuing concern as she arrived to open the hearing. Placards were waved along with a vocal crowd protest. You can see a video on our home page.

Fairfax Acquisitions’ original planning application was rejected by Mid Sussex District Council’s Planning Committe last October, where a similar placard-waving protest was staged outside the Council’s HQ. But Fairfax lodged an appeal forcing the Stop Cuck-stye Campaign and The Cuckfield Society to redouble efforts in an on-going battle to make sure the developers realise they must take no for an answer.

Thanks to a community show of strength and financial support, many contributions made via this website, for which The Cuckfield Society is eternally grateful, thousands of pounds have been raised to fund a barrister. Advancing the legal fight and bolstering opposition.

The Stop Cuck-Stye Campaign has attracted widespread support from residents concerned about the impact on landscape, heritage, traffic and local services. Opponents argue that the fields surrounding Cuckfield are integral to the village's identity and should not be viewed simply as land available for development.

Cuckfield is widely regarded as one of Sussex's best-preserved historic villages, with a conservation area containing numerous listed buildings and views across open countryside that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

Speaking on behalf of local concerns, Councillor Steve Oversby-Powell of Cuckfield Parish Council, said: “It does astonish me the lengths we have to go to for common sense to prevail.”

His remarks reflect growing frustration among residents who believe the proposal on appeal conflicts with the qualities that make Cuckfield distinctive. Campaigners argue that the countryside separating Cuckfield and Ansty performs an important role in preserving the character and identity of both communities.

Planning documents submitted with the original planning application acknowledged that the scheme would affect the setting of the Cuckfield Conservation Area and a number of heritage assets. Fairfax Acquisitions argued, however, that the development represents a sustainable community. An arguement that was roundly rejected. Nevertheless, Fairfax refuse to accept the Council’s ruling and, just as importantly, the voice of Cuckfield’s concerned community. Choosing instead to persist with an appeal which is ultimately profit-driven.

Traffic remains one of the most contentious issues. Residents have raised concerns about significant additional vehicle movements on the A272 and surrounding roads and challenege and whether existing infrastructure can accommodate development on the scale proposed.

South East Water’s continuing and much publicised problems with providing supply in areas of Kent and Sussex during the recent heatwave, adds to questions already raised about drainage, water infrastructure, healthcare capacity and the cumulative impact of housing growth across Mid Sussex.

Nick Price, head of water resources at South East Water, said: “I absolutely can't guarantee it will not happen again,” as more than 3,000 properties experienced, for an extended period, intermittent supplies or no supply at all. The reason being, said South East Water, low reserves and an inability to meet high demand in hot weather.

For many opponents, the debate extends beyond technical planning considerations. They argue the decision will shape the future character of the village for generations and determine whether historic settlements such as Cuckfield can retain their rural setting amid increasing development pressure.

For supporters and opponents alike, the outcome is likely to become a landmark decision for Mid Sussex as well as the future protection of its historic landscapes and communities.