a severe threat of
1,700 houses covering 346 acres of the Wealden countryside
background
It came to light in 2023 that an ill-considered proposal was in preparation to try and extend Uckfield to the other side of the A22. It was listed as a ‘reserved’ site on the Regulation 18 draft Local Plan in 2024. This would be in addition to the already quarter built 1,000 home Ridgewood development. An emerging planning application now proposes 1,700 homes in addition. These would to be built at Owlsbury Farm, Little Horsted on a site of 350 acres. The ‘neighbourhood’ might also include some affordable housing and community facilities.
The development would be in an unsustainable location and cause unacceptable loss of carbon storing agricultural land that has never been previously developed land, outside any development boundary. The proposal would create substantial harm to the character and environment of this part of the Low Weald Landscape Area.
Local Plan
The site has been listed on the draft Local Plan as a reserved site. We have offered guidance on how to object to this by responding to the draft Local Plan during the consultation period. We shall provide guidance on how to respond to the forthcoming planning application and the Regulation 19 draft Local Plan during the consultation periods.
A ‘neighbourhood’
167 hectares and over 1,700 houses planned on a green arable site at Owlsbury Farm.
Why should this site not be allocated on the Local Plan?
Remote and disconnected
The site is remote and disconnected from Uckfield town, being west of the A22 (the centre of the site is some 2km from the Uckfield Railway Station even as the crow flies and yet further from the main town centre facilities and services. The site is huge and extends into open countryside. The site location is not determined by good Town Planning according to need. The Ridgewood development opposite this site and other sites already have permission to build hundreds of houses. We need more homes but Owlsbury Farm is not the answer.
Lack of infrastructure
The road network in the area cannot take this level of increase in traffic. There are already problems with water and sewage for housing in Wealden that have not been resolved, especially in areas close to the rivers such as the River Uck.
Conflict with national policy
The proposed developments are seen as conflicting with national policy, local sustainability goals, and the principles of prudent land use.
Adverse impacts on natural habitats, ancient woodland and biodiversity
The site contains pockets of Ancient Woodland and priority habitat deciduous woodland. It would also affect sensitive water courses (River Uck) leading to the River Ouse, ghylls and irreplaceable habitats. It would damage biodiversity including protected and other fauna.