Housing plan approved after sports pitch dispute

A plan for 100 new homes near Uckfield has been approved by Wealden District Council.

The scheme, from Taylor Wimpey, will be built on land east of Seghers Place, next to the Ridgewood Place development.

Members of the planning committee heard on Thursday there had been a dispute between the developer and Uckfield Town Council over the impact on plans to upgrade a nearby sports pitch.

Town council clerk Holly Goring said it was feared noise and floodlighting from the pitch would have an unacceptable effect on some of the new homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

She said the town council had asked the developer to amend proposals by removing a children's play area from the scheme and providing a financial contribution for an off-site skate park instead.

Ms Goring said this had not been taken forward, adding there was still "significant concern".

The town council had also raised concerns about the housing development's proximity to a skatepark and its potential impact on ancient woodland known as Boothland Woods, the meeting heard.

Councillors heard the applicant disputed concerns, arguing the new homes would not present a barrier to the pitch plans, while mitigation measures would prevent issues.

Several committee members argued in favour of a deferral to allow further negotiations, but council officers advised against this approach.

The committee approved the scheme in line with recommendations.

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