From Uckfield News:
A new outline planning application has been submitted to demolish Hadlow Down Village Hall and build three homes on the site.
Outline permission was given in 2018 for the project- see a previous Uckfield News story: Plans to demolish village hall and build three homes approved – but reserved matters have not been submitted within the three years required.
The same design and access statement submitted for the first application, number WD/2018/0089/0 accompanies the new application, number WD/2021/0471.
The applicant, Hadlow Down Parish Council, says it still unanimously supports the application for the site in Hut Lane. The plan is to build a new hall in the village and fund-raising is under way to do that.
Objections
Neighbours have objected to the scheme. Concerns include the unadopted Hut Lane where concrete infrastructure and manhole covers are said to be breaking up in parts.
There is no footpath, parking for vehicles is at a premium and blocked drains on the A272, at the top of Hut Lane and outside the New Inn pub, cause water to cascade down the lane, by-passing a storm drain, eroding the road edge further.
One resident says: “I understand the need for local affordable housing, but the infrastructure needs to support such needs and Hut Lane is currently not in a position to support further development.”
View
Another resident objects because the new houses would impact a view looking towards Jarvis Brook and Crowborough. They are concerned about parking in the lane and getting out on to the A272 from the lane is dangerous.
They add: “Hadlow Down is an area of natural beauty and these houses would impact on this beauty.”
A third resident objects to the parish council applying for, and paying for, the application out of the precept and says the homes would be a blot on the landscape at more than twice the height of the village hall.