Nicholas Soames today visited the site of a proposed development in Haywards Heath to meet local objectors. The objectors, who are all residents of the area surrounding Birchen Fields, represent the Save Birchen Fields Action Group who are fighting the proposal to open the land north of Haywards Heath to development.
Nicholas Soames said; “This site should definitely be preserved as green space. We have too little green space of this quality in Mid Sussex.”
Miles Mayall, Chairman of the Action Group, said; “Mr Soames deplored the opportunistic behaviour of developers who are exploiting a temporary hiatus in the planning system which allows them to force these unwanted projects on local residents and offered his full support to local residents. He expressed concern about the potential of the site to flood downstream properties.”
Mr Soames said; “I know that there is already a significant problem with the flooding of residential properties further down this valley and in view of what we have seen this winter and the uncertainties of future climate change, this development is the last thing that we need. The avoidance of future flooding is a major Government priority and schemes like this should not be allowed to go through.”