Demolition of redundant farm buildings at Wealden District Council’s Knights Farm West site will begin on 15 September 2026 and is expected to take around three weeks.
The farm buildings will be removed because their condition presents a health and safety risk. Demolition will also prepare the site for its planned future use, for which the existing buildings are unsuitable.
Wealden District Council acquired the land known as Knights Farm West in 2020. The site is located beside the A22 on the edge of Hailsham.
In October 2021, Wealden District Council’s Cabinet agreed to progress plans for the site to support economic development, create employment opportunities and generate long-term income.
The vision for Knights Farm West is to create a development that benefits residents, businesses and local services. Strong occupancy at nearby developments, including Swallow Business Park and Chaucer Business Park, indicates continuing demand for high-quality business premises within Wealden.
The wider site is allocated for use in the draft Local Plan and is expected to be developed in phases over the coming years. The area containing the farm buildings forms part of a later phase.
Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “Removing these buildings is an important first step in preparing Knights Farm West for its future. The buildings are in a poor condition and their proximity to a public footpath means it is important that we address the health and safety risk.
“Knights Farm West represents a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed employment space and support economic growth in the district. The site will be developed in phases, and the removal of these buildings will help us prepare for its longer-term future.”
Demolition works are scheduled to start on 15 September 2026 and are expected to be completed within approximately three weeks. Appropriate measures will be put in place to manage the works and minimise disruption.
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