'˜Serious concerns' over plans to build new homes on Haywards Heath golf course

They say the proposed development ‘will have a huge impact on the local area’ and ‘will lead to increased pressure on local services which are already stretched’.

Sarah Munday, of Roundwood Lane, Lindfield, said: ”Myself, Liz Evans, along with a growing number of local residents are concerned about a proposal to develop approximately 100 acres of countryside at Haywards Heath golf course in High Beech Lane in Lindfield.

“Local developer Fairfax proposes to acquire 100 acres of land comprising the golf course and wants to relocate the golf club to an extended and improved Lindfield Golf Club. ​

“Whilst a planning application has yet to be submitted, it is understood that Fairfax proposes to build 1,100 new homes on the golf course.”

The residents campaigning about the plans have set up a website and Facebook page.

“We understand Fairfax is planning to submit an outline planning application during the next six months and could have consent by spring 2019,” added Sarah.

“As residents, we have a number of serious concerns with a development of this size, as it will have a huge impact on the local area.

“We are particularly concerned at the loss of beautiful Lindfield countryside and fear this would set a dangerous precedent that developers could exploit leading to further losses of greenfield land in the future.

“This development is similar in scale to that of Bolnore village, which we believe is too large for Lindfield and will change the nature and feel of our village.

“It will lead to increased pressure on local services which are already stretched. Whilst developers usually make financial contributions to the provision of new services, it is rarely sufficient to meet the new increases in demand.

“We are also concerned about the impact the development will have on highways. High Beech Lane, and the surrounding roads appear to lack the capacity to deal with such an increased volume of traffic and it will certainly transform the character and environment of Lindfield and its surroundings.”

A spokesman for Fairfax said: “We can confirm we are looking at the development potential of the site but we can assure you that the number of homes that we are looking at is not at the level being suggested on the website and Facebook page.”

Councillor Andrew MacNaughton, cabinet member for housing and planning, added: “At this stage, no planning application for development near Haywards Heath Golf Club has been received by this council.

“With any formal planning application there is a period of consultation where interested parties will be able to comment before the application is determined in accordance with planning law.”

Visit www.stophaywardsheathgolfclubdevelopment.co.uk

Slow traffic across parts of Sussex this morning