Plans for 95 new village homes rejected

In July last year Bovis Homes applied for planning permission to build the homes behind Blackmores in Wivelsfield Green.

The plan - which originally featured 100 homes but was later trimmed down to 95 - met with huge local opposition.

Protesters were supported by Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, who described the application as ‘inappropriate development’ that was being rushed through before a neighbourhood plan could be put in place.

Lewes District Council rejected the planning application, saying that the site was outside of any defined settlement boundary.

The refusal notice added: “The Council is able to show within its most recent housing land supply figures, dated 1st April 2015, that Lewes District has a five year supply for housing, which includes an additional buffer of five per cent.”

Blackmores resident Rosemary Fair told the Middy she is happy that they’ve won the battle, but concerned that they have not yet won the war.

“We’re obviously really really pleased,” she said, “but it might go to appeal.

“I think it probably will, because they’ve spent so much money on it.”

If Bovis Homes appeals against the district council’s refusal to grant planning permission, the final decision will be taken by a Government inspector.

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