Uckfield: 100 new homes approved near bypass

100 new homes approved near bypass. Wealden District Council has officially approved a planning application from Taylor Wimpey to construct 100 new homes on a 5.72-hectare site situated just off the A22 Uckfield Bypass.

The new development will sit on farmland located east of Seghers Place, serving as an extension to the ongoing development at Ridgewood Place at the southern edge of Uckfield. 

Key Details of the Development

• Property Distribution: The site will be divided into two distinct residential zones along the bypass. The western section will contain 57 properties ranging from one to four bedrooms, while the eastern section will feature 43 homes spanning two to five bedrooms. 
• Affordable Housing: The development includes a commitment to provide 35% affordable housing. Due to difficulties securing a traditional social housing provider, the developer adjusted terms to deliver 17 "First Homes" on-site and pay a financial sum to the council to fund 4 additional off-site affordable units. 
• Amenities & Infrastructure: Plans include a Locally Equipped Area for Play (LEAP), new public open spaces, extensive landscaping, and financial contributions via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support local public facilities. 

Local Controversies and Debate

The application sparked intense debate between the developer and Uckfield Town Council, centering on three major local concerns: 

• Sports Pitch Conflict: The town council voiced significant worries that the housing layout would clash with their existing plans to upgrade an adjacent sports pitch. They feared that future floodlighting and noise from the pitch would negatively affect the residents of the new homes. 
• Skate Park Proposal: Local officials requested that Taylor Wimpey omit the on-site children's play area and instead provide funding for an off-site skate park, a request the developer ultimately did not implement. 
• Environmental Impact: Objections were raised regarding the development's close proximity to Boothland Woods, a protected local ancient woodland. However, the developer successfully argued that mitigation measures and an expanded buffer zone would successfully safeguard the woodland habitats. 

Wealden District Council ultimately decided that the public benefits of providing new housing outweighed the potential landscape harms, heavily influenced by the council's current lack of a five-year housing land supply.