Delight as plans for homes on Haywards Heath Golf Course withdrawn

Fairfax was proposing to demolish the clubhouse and adjacent buildings and replace them with the new homes – 30 per cent of which would be affordable – but has withdrawn its application.

Lindfield Rural Parish Council, which has been campaigning against the plans, said it was ‘welcome news for the community as a whole’.

“In particular for the residents and organisations who have worked so hard to stop this unacceptable and unwanted planning application,” commented Trevor Webster, chairman of the council.

“It would have destroyed a wonderful piece of Sussex countryside and put untold strain on the local community, its infrastructure and services.

“We would also have lost a fantastic recreational facility at a time when we all really appreciate these more than ever.”

But Mr Webster noted that this may not be the end of their journey – as new plans may come to light.

Liz Evans and Sarah Munday, who have spearheaded the Stop Haywards Heath Golf Course Development campaign, said: “We were delighted to learn that Fairfax has withdrawn its planning application to build 725 homes on Haywards Heath Golf Course.

“We are very grateful for all the support we have received from so many residents of Lindfield, Haywards Heath, Ardingly, Cuckfield, and the surrounding villages.

“Residents submitted hundreds of letters of objection to the planning officer which put a lot of pressure on the applicants and which has shown the widespread community opposition to any development of this beautiful and valued site.

“This has been an outstanding community endeavour and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed.”

But the pair, too, noted that although the golf course is currently not on the draft list of 22 sites being allocated for homes – this list is subject to change at the next stage of public consultation.

They commented: “It is important we all continue to monitor the site allocation process and make our representations to Mid Sussex District Council emphasising the site’s unsuitability for development.”

Fairfax was contacted by this newspaper but had not responded in time of going to press.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.