Call on council to reject application for 130 new homes in Hassocks

Hassocks and Hurst Labour Party is calling on Mid Sussex councillors to reject an application for 130 new homes in Hassocks.
A flooded garden in Friars Oak Road. Hassocks and Hurst Labour said it was concerned about the increased flood risk, if the development goes aheadA flooded garden in Friars Oak Road. Hassocks and Hurst Labour said it was concerned about the increased flood risk, if the development goes ahead
A flooded garden in Friars Oak Road. Hassocks and Hurst Labour said it was concerned about the increased flood risk, if the development goes ahead

The planning application for the homes on Friars Oak Fields is due to be considered by the district council at a planning committee meeting on Thursday (November 29).

The political party said it was demanding councillors ‘respect and support the views of the people of Hassocks’.

Will Matthews, chair of Hassocks and Hurst LabourWill Matthews, chair of Hassocks and Hurst Labour
Will Matthews, chair of Hassocks and Hurst Labour
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A spokesman said: “We are demanding that Conservative councillors reject the planning application to build 130 houses on Friars Oak Fields.

“The site was opposed by the parish council, not part of the the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan, and not even included in the recently adopted Mid Sussex District Plan.

“Tory councillors would be riding roughshod their own District Plan if they approve the application.”

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Hassocks and Hurst Labour said it was also concerned that the Herring Stream passes along the side of Friars Oak FieldsHassocks and Hurst Labour said it was also concerned that the Herring Stream passes along the side of Friars Oak Fields
Hassocks and Hurst Labour said it was also concerned that the Herring Stream passes along the side of Friars Oak Fields

Will Matthews, chairman of the party, added: “The Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan was clear – there was absolutely no support amongst the Hassocks community for the development of housing on Friars Oak Fields.

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“The people of Hassocks want Friars Oak Fields to become a designated local green space.”

The political party said it was aware that there was a need for new housing in the area but said it should be done in a way that ‘does not adversely impact on the local community and environment’.

It also said it was concerned about the increased flood risk, if the development goes ahead.

Part of Friars Oak Fields is an identified flood plain on the Environment Agency flood map for planning. 

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Linda Taylor said: “We do not need to consult the Environment Agencies website for confirmation that this area is a flood risk, simply walking through the fields after a period of heavy rain provides ample evidence of this.”  

The party said it was also concerned that the Herring Stream passes along the side of Friars Oak Fields adjacent to the London Road.

A spokesman said: “The stream runs at the end of many residents’ properties and regularly floods their gardens.

“This situation will be made worse if concrete covers the fields and prevents water draining away naturally.”

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