VIDEO: More support for Twineham farmer who refused to sell land

A farmer who refused to sell his land to developers for up to £275million, has received further public support from a local MP.
Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001
Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001

Robert Worsley, 48, refused to sell his 550 acres of land in Twineham, to Mayfield Market Town so it could create a new town with up to 10,000 homes.

Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, told listeners on BBC Sussex and Surrey radio yesterday that the new town development is not wanted and local councils have found their own suitable sites for development.

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He said: “In Horsham’s case they want to put it North of Horsham. In Mid Sussex they want to put it near Burgess Hill. That is their decision and they are best placed to decide where the housing should go.

Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001
Robert Worsley, opposed to Mayfield site near Twineham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-151205-132429001

“This developer [Mayfield Market Towns], consisting of directors who don’t come from the area, have decided that because they have got one or two options on the land, not all of them, have decided no, they would rather it goes there [proposed site] because that is where they could make money.

“...this developer has been trying hard to upset the local planning process. They even circulated leaflets North of Horsham saying to people that they did not have to have development there and that they could have it where Mayfield’s want it instead.

“They persisted, despite the fact that at each turn they have been told that this is not going to run. They’ve been told by the local authorities. They’ve been told that by the planning inspector. They’ve been told that by every local elected representative, and they’ve been told it by landowners too.”

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