New homes refused

A PLANNING inspector has upheld a decision by Wealden District Council to refuse plans for three houses between Cross-in-Hand and Heathfield.

Inspector John Head said the proposal to build the two-storey houses at Sinden s Nursery on the A267 would have resulted in the appearance of a 'merging together of town and village.

Mr Head dismissed an appeal by Mr H. Simpson against Wealden s decision. He said the location on the south side of the A267 did not have a built-up appearance and remained rural in character.

'I consider that the maintenance of that character and appearance is important, in this small gap, in order to prevent the built-up areas of Cross-in-Hand and Heathfield appearing to merge together.

He said that strategic gaps of countryside between built-up areas was part of the council s planning guidance.