Neighbours have objected to plans for 15 homes on a field in an area of natural beauty.
The plans for the new houses in land off Crowborough’s London Road are back after developers Wellsbridge Estates appealed against Wealden District Council, which refused to grant permission for plans for 31 properties on the same site.
Last April, planning inspector Claire Shearing upheld the council’s decision, stating that the proposal, most of which is in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), would “cause harm to the character and appearance of the area”.
The number of homes has been halved, but some residents believe the new plans would still be “an encroachment” on to the AONB and would set a precedent for more developments on the green space.
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James Wheeler, who lives in London Road, said: “The proposed development is on designated High Weald AONB. This is an area that is stunningly beautiful and on Gillridge Lane is enjoyed by many families, walkers, horse riders, cyclists etc and the development is not in keeping with neighbouring houses in London Road and Gillridge Lane.
“This will impact significantly on the immediate environment and nature, especially as I assume this will open up the opportunity for further housing into the surrounding fields.”
John Cattanach, who also lives nearby, said: “If this proposal were to go ahead it will be yet another encroachment into the AONB in Crowborough.
“From an ecological perspective the proposed site and the adjoining fields provide a habitat and refuge for a diverse range of wildlife as they do at my property where I have noted bats, newts, frogs, toads, deer and hazel dormice.”
The plans, submitted to the council last month, are open for comments until October 18 and also include a new access route.
Ros Leach, also of London Road, has objected to the plans. She said: “My property runs adjacent to the site and my garden was part of the field at one point. We were told when buying the property that we cannot build anything as the land is still in the AONB.”
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