Councillors Reject Plans for New Home in Hellingly
- Huw Oxburgh LDR
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Plans to build a single new home in Hellingly have been refused by Wealden District Council.
On Thursday (August 14), the council’s Minors Planning Committee turned down proposals for a house on land next to 16 Ashley Gardens.
The application had been recommended for approval by planning officers but was called in by local ward member David White (Ind), who said the site should remain a “green space” between two larger developments.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr White highlighted concerns over the loss of an established green area, potential impacts on biodiversity, the character of the neighbourhood, and the amenity of neighbouring properties.
He also pointed out that the land forms part of an informal wildlife corridor linking Park Wood and the Pevensey Levels, and noted that the emerging Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan is expected to formally designate this route.
Council planning officers cautioned that the site currently lacks formal protection. Caitlin Boddy explained:
"The existing site doesn’t have any protections, and the emerging neighbourhood plan carries no weight at this stage.
"It isn’t included within current policies for green space or green infrastructure."
Cllr Johanna Howell (Con) responded, emphasising the role of councillors in representing local communities:
"We are here to look after our community — the health, wellbeing, and environment of our residents must be our priority."
Neighbours also voiced concerns. Emily Kiely raised issues including overlooking and parking pressures.
However, committee chairman Cllr Mark Fairweather (Lib Dem) noted that as a Permission in Principle (PiP) application, the scheme could only be assessed on “location, land use, and quantity of development,” with other matters considered later.
After discussion, the committee unanimously refused the application, citing policies related to land use, rural character, and local planning guidance.
For more details, see application WD/2025/1230/PIP on the Wealden District Council website.