Objections raised to major development

Around 150 people packed into the village hall for a public meeting last Friday.

Developers are proposing to build 50 homes and a two storey office development on a green field site in Brede Lane. The plans also include improvements to Sedlescombe School.

The council and other objectors argue that the proposed development could cause a 50 per cent increase in traffic down the country lane - an extra 1,000 car movements a day.

They fear this increase could lead to a potentially fatal accident.

Objectors have also branded the office and housing development “completely unnecessary” and argue Sedlescombe already has a significant area of unused existing commercial space.

They say the development would severely affect at least 23 existing houses and say there are better alternative sites for small scale housing developments.

Concerns have also been raised over the impact the development would have on the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are fears it would blight stunning views across the Brede Valley.

Established hedgerows and mature trees would be removed as part of the development, objectors say.

Rother District Council has previously refused planning applications for other homes for similar reasons. The authority will make a decision on the plans at a later date.