A Message from the Chairman
Proposed Housing Developments—Gravelye Lane/Scaynes Hill Road/Lyoth Lane area—Lindfield
It was gratifying to see so many residents at the Extraordinary meeting on 22nd April. It demonstrated the depth of feeling such proposals generate within the village particularly when it is manifestly clear that the resident's vision does not include creating an urban sprawl.
We need all the help we can muster in order to maintain our quality of life and I trust as many residents as possible wrote to Mid Sussex District Council to express their views. I, for my part, agreed to write to Mr. Soames to seek his assistance in supporting us in protecting our beautiful village. A copy of that letter follows and I shall keep you informed of progress in this matter.
Open Letter to Nicholas Soames MP
Dear Mr. Soames,
Core Strategy Proposed Submission Document - LDF
I am sure you are aware that we are in the process of considering the possible development sites for the future and to this end there are on-going discussions with MSDC to highlight the Parishes’ prospective. In fact, Parish Councillors in the Haywards Heath area held several meetings in an attempt to demonstrate to MSDC the need to ensure that the character and integrity of the villages of Cuckfield and Lindfield is maintained. The group was called 4 Parishes and 3 Tiers (Cuckfield, Staplefield and Ansty, Lindfield and Lindfield Rural Parishes, WSCC and MSDC)
We have now completed our task in that group for the present but in the meantime the two Parish Councils of Lindfield have also concentrated on our own sites but particularly the site between Gravelye Lane/Scamps Hill (Scaynes Hill Road) which has been pronounced as “sustainable” in the Core Strategy, Pre Submission Document, and has been regarded by MSDC Planning Policy Division as a suitable site for development. This is indicated as site k on the Document for up to 760 dwellings. (Site k comprises of two sites, one for 550 dwellings and one for 195 dwellings).
In anticipation of the probable depth of feeling within the Lindfield area, the two Lindfield Parish Councils arranged a public meeting
1) to discuss this proposed housing development and
2) to encourage the residents to write to the Planning Department, Mid Sussex District Council with their observations.
Over 110 concerned residents met at the King Edward Hall,
Lindfield last week (22 April) to discuss the proposed housing development and, as expected, there were many objections to the proposal. Those included, the lack of infrastructure, flooding, traffic, the further urbanisation of the area between Haywards Heath/ Lindfield and the hamlet of Walstead.
Furthermore, the residents were quite horrified that the development was of such a substantial number of dwellings and would have the effect of being a scar on the view from its elevated position overlooking their beautiful village. The residents had already been forced to accept nearly 200 homes under the small scale housing allocation but at least the two locations were fairly discreet and did not command such an intrusive view of the village.
It was also questioned why such a figure of 17000 extra homes in the Mid Sussex area was required and by what yardstick were the Government producing that figure.
I believe that the villages of Sussex are a precious asset but are progressively being destroyed by insensitive housing developments making the villages into urban sprawls. Every effort is being made by the Parishes to ensure that it does not happen in Lindfield but we would like to be assured that we have your active backing in our stance and could look forward to your support in this endeavour.
I have enclosed our Parish’s response to Mid Sussex District Council and the notice that was sent to all residents in the village concerning the meeting last week.
Yours sincerely,
John Dumbleton, Chairman, Lindfield Rural Parish Council
Annual Parish Meeting
We have additionally enclosed below the minutes of our Annual Parish Meeting, the contents of which highlighted subject headings which may be of interest to residents.
Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 6 April 2009 at Scaynes Hill Millennium Village Centre at 20.00 hrs.
The Chairman opened the meeting by thanking the public and guest speaker for attending.
The guest speaker, Mr. Bob Hooper, from the Citizens Advice Bureau Horsham, proceeded to outline the excellent service the CAB provides. The volunteers impartial service and practical advice to the members of the public is fully recognised and appreciated. Interesting questions and answers followed.
The Chairman expressed his gratitude and thanks to Bob Hooper for making the time and effort to speak to the Councillors and Residents.
The Chairman’s 2009 report was discussed in detail:
Housing Development Issues
Outline planning application to build 65 houses on Lyoth Lane/Gravelye Lane corner just received. Council to consider.
Children’s Playground in Scaynes Hill
New equipment is very good. Members of the public now feel the need for additional equipment for pre-school children.
Verdun Oak plaque—replacement in progress
Traffic Calming
Installation of two vehicle-activated signs (VAS) appears to be reducing the speed of traffic through the village. However, moving the 30mph speed limit from Church Road to Nash Lane and installing a 40mph buffer zone had little or no effect on the speeding traffic. Members of the public suggested installation of VAS signs in Church Road.
Expansion of Scaynes Hill – Housing and Infrastructure Sustainable infrastructure for future development was discussed in detail. It was suggested that a group of residents prepare a vision statement for Scaynes Hill. A Council’s questionnaire was favoured by all.
Proposed housing development to include site (k), land between Gravelye Lane and Scamps Hill, Lindfield, as a development site in the Core Strategy was discussed at length. Sustainability being the biggest concern.
The Chairman informed that a joint meeting with Lindfield Parish Council is being held on 22 April in the King Edward Hall in Lindfield to receive views of members of the public on this proposal.
Merger of Parish Councils – proposed by Lindfield Parish Council
The Chairman’s options, set out in his report, were discussed at great length. Residents questioned:
• Advantages and disadvantages for LRPC
• What tangible advantage for a larger body
• Surrender rural part of the parish
• Scaynes Hill being sidelined.
• Reason LPC proposed the merger
• No advantage to restore historical boundaries to 1934
General consent was to retain the two Parishes. Cllr John Dumbleton will circulate a questionnaire to all the residents in due course. Residents would also like to meet a representative from Lindfield Parish Council to explain why a merger is being proposed.
Sheila Hobbs presented the Allotment Trophy for 2009 to Neil Kerslake. The cup was awarded to Neil for constantly producing good produce. Neil was pleased and thankful. The first time he won this award after 34 years on the allotments. Congratulations!
Further questions from the public included:
Volunteers to provide and operate a post office in Scaynes Hill
Put up ‘dog fouling penalty’ signs in the Twitten beside the Millennium Centre.
The Annual Report is published on the web site and the notice boards, and can be viewed in the Parish Office.
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