Plans by developers for 1,600 houses on green fields between Cuckfield and Ansty, dubbed ‘Cuckstye’ by local residents, have been formally ruled out.
The decision has been announced by Mid Sussex District Council in a letter to the Parish Councils and delivers on a pledge made by the Conservatives in June.
Additional analysis of the site by the Council has confirmed that there are negative impacts which would be contrary to national planning policy and which cannot currently be mitigated. These primarily relate to the severe impact the site would have on the A272, which is already heavily congested. Residents and parish councils are also concerned about the wider impact that such a large development would have on the area.
Cllr Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of the Conservatives at Mid Sussex District Council, said:
“We’re working to keep Mid Sussex special by keeping housing numbers down and prioritising brownfield development wherever possible. I understand the concerns that the developer’s proposal for 1,600 houses between Cuckfield and Ansty has caused for residents. That’s why earlier in the year, I asked the Council to undertake further work and this additional analysis confirms that it can be ruled out from the next iteration of the District Plan”.
Mims Davies MP, Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, said:
“I welcome the news that the ‘Cuckstye’ site is being ruled out by the Council. Protecting our precious environment is incredibly important to all of us in Mid Sussex and this is given real weight by the Government’s Environment Act. ‘Cuckstye’ is an inappropriate place for this level of development which would have had a huge impact on the character of the area and local infrastructure”.
Cllr Pete Bradbury, Councillor for Cuckfield, said:
“I have long been opposed to inappropriate development on the Cuckfield by-pass and am pleased that ‘Cuckstye’ is being stopped in its tracks. The community will need to continue to be vigilant as the developer will continue to promote their plans. It’s a shame that the Liberal Democrats have previously called the Conservative policy to rule out Cuckstye “reckless” and I hope they will now support our approach in the interests of the community”.
