Bigger venue needed as village protest grows to stop renewed bid for huge Cuck-Stye housing development
“Please come to Whitemans Green Sports Club on Tuesday May 5 (7pm for 7.30pm) for a comprehensive update on our fundraising to fight the upcoming appeal by developer Fairfax.”
Cuckfield’s battle against the latest attempt to build a huge housing development of up to 1,450 homes, transforming the character of the village, is gathering pace.
So much so that the original date and venue of the Cuckfield Society’s AGM has had to be switched to a bigger venue. This is to accomodate the number of people expected to attend and voice their protest at the proposed Cuck-Stye development.
The proposal was rejected last October by Mid Sussex District Council’s planning commitee by eight votes to four. Developers Fairfax said: "We are disappointed that the committee chose not to follow their officer's professional recommendation, and we are now considering our options.” Fairfax are expected to appeal the decision.
Simon Stokes, Chair of Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council, said at the time: “Thanks to a huge community campaign over the last three years and nine months we have been able to commission a range of expert reports showing this is not a suitable site.
“So this is absolutely the right outcome. The council has properly applied the basic planning principle that new development must be sustainably located and plan based. This site was rejected in the council’s own District Plan process.”
Despite the Council’s decision, planning procedure, as unfair as it may seem, means Cuckfield villagers must continue fighting. The Cuckfield Society has launched a fundraisng inititiative to fund the legal fees and barrister required to ensure the heritage and character of the village remains.
Cuckfield Parish councillor, Steve Oversby-Powell, added after last October’s decision: “The Cuck-Stye proposal was rightfully left out of the MSDC District Plan, but for various technical reasons the legally binding plan has not yet been adopted. The developer attempted to exploit this temporary situation, but thankfully most of the councillors listened to our arguments. It does astonish me the lengths we have to go to for common sense to prevail.”
Originally scheduled for The Queen’s Hall council chambers, the AGM will now be held on Tuesday May 5 at Whitemans Green Sports Club. Free parking is available.
Jill White, Cuckfield Society secretary and trustee, said: “Please come along for welcome refreshments at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and a comprehensive update on our fundraising for the upcoming developer Fairfax’s appeal.”
If you want to make a donation to help stop Cuck-Stye, please use the form. You can also find out about our £500 Club initiative here.