FREE LAND OFFER FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES

Former scrap metal merchant Andy Cooper has submitted an outline planning application to Lewes District Council to build 54 homes at Rangers Farm, Chamberlaine Lane, of which 24 will be affordable.

And he is also offering to contribute 1 million-plus for the purchase of nearby land to provide a sports hall and new playing fields for Ringmer Community College.

He expects to break even from the venture through the sale of the 30 commercially-priced homes.

Said Mr Cooper, 62: 'I believe in the need of providing affordable homes for the people of Ringmer.

young people

'I have lived and worked in the village all my life and have been closely involved in local matters for many years, including being a parish council member for 15 years.

'I am aware of the cost of house prices in the village and the difficulty of young people being able to purchase their own homes.

'In submitting this application, I am trying to give something back to the village that will benefit the local community for many years to come.'

Mr Cooper is offering two hectares of what is at present grazing land for new homes at no cost.

He is also offering 1 million-plus for the purchase of land on which a sports hall and playing fields could be built for the college and community.

And he says he is willing to spend a further 800,000 on improving the Kennel Corner roundabout to make it safer than it currently is, and to provide access to the new development.

Added Mr Cooper: 'I appreciate that my land is not zoned for residential purposes. However, I think this proposal is sustainable.

'I hope it will be given serious consideration because I firmly believe it can benefit the whole community of Ringmer.'

Parish council chairman Bob Peters said: 'We need affordable housing in Ringmer but I am not sure this is the right location. I do, however, believe that is this is a genuine attempt to help the Ringmer community.'

A Lewes District Council spokesman confirmed that an application had been received and said it was too early to comment on the likelihood of it being successful.

The land in question was not allocated for development and was outside of the planning boundary.