What the land owners say about 700-home plan
Mornings Mill Far sign
The brothers who are the land owners where a controversial scheme is going ahead for 700 homes at Mornings Mill Farm in Lower Willingdon have said they understand the concerns of residents.
In an exclusive statement to the Eastbourne Reporter, Peter and Robert Vine pledged to work closely with Wealden District Council on the details of the scheme.
A Government planning inspector yesterday announced he was allowing an appeal by the Vines, as Mornings Mill Farm land owners, against a decision by Wealden District Council to refuse permission.
The Vines' statement reads:
"The Vines understand the reservations that the local community have expressed through the planning process and we expect to work with Wealden District Council through 'reserved matters', to allay those fears.
"The Vines have been active members and contributors to the local community since the turn of the last century and will respect that tradition as the current owners of Mornings Mill and Willows Farm."
The scheme for the 130-acre site includes plans for 8,600 sq m of employment space, a medical centre, school, community centre and allotments alongside the A2270, near the South Downs.
Government inspector Michael Boniface also ruled that and Wealden District Council will bear the cost of the three-day appeal hearing.
He was highly critical of the council, ordering them to bear the costs of the appeal, stating: “The council’s conduct in this case is the epitome of unreasonable behaviour.”
Wealden withdrew from defending the appeal just four weeks before the hearing took place, stating on its website that "councillors were told by independent legal experts they could not defend the indefensible".
The scheme originally attracted 4,000 signatures on a petition objecting to the plans. Highway and drainage concerns were the main worries of residents.
But Mr Boniface said there were no objections on either grounds from the authorities so the scheme could go ahead, with appropriate measures in place.
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