Gladman Development

The announcement of Gladman Development’s (GD) proposed 90-unit estate on the north of Scamps Hill kicked-off the year. The Lindfield Society submitted strong objections based on non-compliance with current planning policies. During protracted planning discussions with the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), GD filed an appeal despite not having a final ruling. The Appeal Inquiry was scheduled to begin on 10th December but has been delayed until 2025. The pre-inquiry evidence exchange showed that GD challenged the validity of the current MSDC District Plan, which currently excludes the Scamps Hill site from development. Due to publication deadlines, we cannot print an outcome, but we will have full coverage of the meeting on our website. Related documentation can be viewed on the MSDC website https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ Using reference AP/24/0044, select the ‘Appeals’ tab.

Lindfield Society talks programme

Our programme of free talks continues in King Edward Hall. We roamed from the Trolleys of Lisbon to the Artic Home of the Polar Bear in 2024. In 2025, we’ll visit Treasures in St Petersburg, hear about writing comedy for TV, and walk the Sussex Downs with Ian Everest. A complete listing is available on our website and the Jubilee notice board on Denmans Lane at High Street. Our talks are well attended and provide a forum where the management committee can discuss current planning issues with the membership.

Website enhancements

We may have mentioned our newly updated website at www.lindfieldsociety.org.uk, which has an easy-toreach layout to find information on any of the above topics. The most exciting announcement is our ability to accept payments through our JustGiving page, so it is possible to join, renew, or make donations entirely online through the Society website using debit or credit cards of your choice. Your contributions will also be eligible for Gift Aid, which will benefit the Society over and beyond your donation. Please have a look and let us know what you think. We want to thank all our members for your continuing support in 2024 and wish you all a very happy New Year!

To read the full newsletter, please click the image to enlarge it.

Planning matters

The Welkin:
Readers may recall that developers have been attempting for some time to fill some of The Welkin’s green spaces with further housing. Following vigorous local opposition, Mid Sussex District Council refused permission earlier in 2023. We are pleased to report that an appeal lodged against the council’s decision was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in September. The inspector’s decision cited ‘harm to the character and appearance of the area’ as the reason for refusal. In addition to countering the threat of overdevelopment that had been facing residents of The Welkin, this decision creates a useful precedent for responding to future attempts to urbanise our village.

Lindfield Society Talks

Our programme of free talks continues in the King Edward Hall. The details of this year ‘s talks will be emailed to members, shown on our website (www.lindfieldsociety.org.uk) and displayed on the Jubilee notice board when finalised. We would like to thank residents for their support in 2023 and we wish all Lindfield Life readers a very happy New Year!

To read the full newsletter, turn to page 26 of January’s Lindfield Life or click to enlarge the image above.