Upset over plan to build new home in Willingdon

The bid to demolish two garages on land adjacent to the Chalk Farm Hotel in Coopers Hill and build a three bedroom house in its place is due to go before Wealden council planners tomorrow (Thursday) and is recommended for approval.

But Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council is urging members to defer any decision due to a flood of objections.

Parish council clerk Stephen Keogh said, “The plan has a number of issues including the alteration of a right of way, the removal of an historic flint wall and the possible damage to a sewer, which may affect the neighbouring farm.

“The parish council feels local residents and those most affected have not been consulted fully and the application would cause some considerable issues for the visitors and residents of the Chalk Farm Hotel, which is for students with special needs. In addition, the development has no regard for a local farmer’s livelihood which also could be affected. We want the members on the planning committee to investigate more fully before making a decision.”

More than 12 letters of objection were submitted from neighbours around the area concerned at access to the farm and other businesses, the dwelling is too big for the small plot, Coopers Hill is already too congested for more development, the rear wall of the house could impinge on a foul sewer, there is not enough parking, the development will not be compatible with the Chalk Farm Hotel and nursery and the proposal will block the historic line of a public footpath.

The application has been further complicated by the demolition of an old flint wall, which neighbours say, was demolished and has not been replaced.

The applicants argue there are no changes to the existing footpath and highway, no changes have been made to the access of Chalk Farm and also say they have been painstakingly dealing with Eastbourne Borough Council, which is responsible for the flint wall, for five years to reinstate the wall in the correct position.

A spokesperson for the applicant said in a statement, “Eastbourne council had let the flint wall fall into despair and will be rebuilding it back in the correct position.

“The existing garages are an eye-sore. The proposed development seeks to significantly improve this corner, creating an attractive cottage style dwelling, and removing two of the unattractive garages and obscuring the rest partially.”

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