Open space under threat from housing

Barratt Homes had to provide an informal open space as a condition of its 2007 planning permission to build 150 homes west of Mackie Avenue, Hassocks.

Mackie Avenue resident Graham McGee is concerned that the land has now been listed as a potential housing development site in the pre-submission draft Neighbourhood Plan for Hassocks.

He told the Middy that his main concern is vehicle access: “The only conceivable access point would have to be a T-junction or a roundabout in Ockley Lane opposite Ockley Manor, this access point being just a few yards from an S–bend, which would quite likely cause many traffic accidents and create a ‘black spot’,” he said.

“Motorists travelling northwards along the S-bend would not see the access point until they were almost on top of it, with very little reaction time for the unwary motorist new to the area.

“Also, motorists turning right out of this access point wishing to go south along Ockley Lane in the direction of Brighton, would need to turn right into Grand Avenue, or right into Keymer Road, which will take him right through the centre of Hassocks along to Stonepound Crossroads where he would need to turn left for Brighton and the south of the county, thus creating even more congestion and pollution in the centre of Hassocks and even more pollution at Stonepound Crossroads.

“Hassocks is fast losing its rural aspect and is becoming a noisy and polluted area ruined by too many motor vehicles, to the detriment of everybody who lives here.

“Keeping the Informal Open Space in its original location will genuinely benefit most of the people of Hassocks as many people already enjoy walking here, since it can be reached from many different points by walkers with their prams or dogs, with lovely views northwards along the valley, and with fine views of the downs in a southerly direction. With some benches, some more dog refuse waste bins, and perhaps some more landscaping it would be an even better place for people to enjoy the peace and quiet, all the year round, away from the noise and pollution of motor traffic.”

Andrew MacNaughton, Mid Sussex District Council cabinet member for planning said: “Mid Sussex District Council supports Neighbourhood Planning and the work that Hassocks Parish Council has undertaken in preparing its plan.

“Neighbourhood planning gives communities the opportunity to shape the future of the places that they live in and looking at all available land options for development should be part of the process.

“In the event that the allocation at Clayton Mills is agreed through the examination of the neighbourhood plan, and supported at a referendum of Hassocks residents, then it’s likely that the legal agreement covering its current use as open space would be lifted by the District Council.”

Comments on the pre-submission draft Neighbourhood Plan can be sent to [email protected] by February 16.

For more information about the plan, visit: http://hassockspc.net/neighbourhood-plan-2/neighbourhood-plan-3/

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