Villagers protest against plans for 280 homes

1 hour ago

George Cardenin Hellingly

News image — Residents gathered in a field near Hellingly to protest against plans to build up to 280 homes

George Carden/BBC Dozens of residents standing in a field with their dogs. The residents are holding a sign on which part of a slogan (landscape for 280 houses) can be read — Residents gathered in a field near Hellingly to protest against plans to build up to 280 homes

More than 50 people have gathered to protest against plans to build up to 280 homes in an East Sussex village.

Villagers said they were concerned about flooding in Hellingly, as well as extra pressure on the sewage network, more traffic and the impact on the rural landscape.

The area, near Hailsham, often floods in the winter from the Cuckmere River and its tributary the Bull River.

Applicant Hallam Land Management said its plans were supported by detailed technical assessments covering issues raised by residents, including flooding and drainage, highways, ecology and landscape.

George Carden/BBC An expansive field with trees around the edge. The image shows old vegetation that had been growing in the field — The field in Shawpits Farm where up to 280 homes are proposed

The site, a field just over 16 hectares (40 acres) at Shawpits Farm, would be accessible by Mill Lane.

Doug Lewin, vice chairman of Hellingly Parish Council, told BBC Radio Sussex on Tuesday that Mill Lane was a medieval single-track road and "not suitable to take any level of traffic, certainly nothing that's going to be coming from 280 homes".

He added: "Mill Lane floods significantly, so the villagers have to endure flooding every time it rains heavily. They have to take their own precautions.

"We're not anti-housebuilding, we are anti destroying the countryside. There's no shortage of [other] sites, this doesn't have to be one of them."

George Carden/BBC Mill Lane and a bridge which goes over the Cuckmere River which are both flooded pictured in January 2026 — Flooding on Mill Lane in January 2026

Landowner Marie Stone said she was concerned about extra run-off from the rain, adding that Mill Lane became "a river" during flooding.

Dr Colin Tourle, 84, who has lived in the village for nearly 60 years, said: "It's tragic because it's such a beautiful spot. It's just terrible.

"So much isn't going to work, the fact Mill Lane itself is very narrow.

"It's going to be overcrowded, it's the nicest part of Hellingly."

George Carden/BBC Dr Colin Tourle standing in a field with a blue jumper with dozens of villagers behind him. He is bald, with a grey moustache — Dr Colin Tourle has lived in the village for nearly 60 years and has had his cottage flood before

Planning documents submitted to Wealden District Council (WDC) state the majority of the site is in a low probability flood zone, while the western boundary nearer the river has sections that have a medium and high probability of flooding.

Documents also show that a two-lane road would be built near Grove Hill giving priority access into the housing estate, with the existing single-track Mill Lane forming a smaller junction off the new road.

A spokesperson for Hallam Land Management said: "We understand that proposals for new development can prompt questions and concerns within the local community.

"The application is supported by detailed technical assessments covering issues raised by residents, including flooding and drainage, highways, ecology and landscape.

"We believe the proposals can make a positive contribution to the area, delivering much-needed housing alongside wider benefits, and will continue to engage constructively with the community and the planning process as the application progresses."

WDC is holding a consultation into the proposal until 2 October. A decision is due at the end of November.

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