An appeal decision on a propsosed development in Hellingly has been challenged in the High Court by Wealden District Council.
The ruling means that ancient woodland at Wellshurst Gold and Country Club in Hellingly has been saved from development for the time being.
A planning application was submitted to Wealden council in 2022 from Downsview Leisure Ltd for a proposed development, which consisted of camping facilities in the form of pods, caravans and a site office on land owned by the gold club to add to the leisure facilities already in place.
The application was refused by the council because of the environmental impacts on designated anciente woodland and landscape.
Following the councils resfusal, an appeal was lodged by the applicants. A planning inspector was appointed and allowed the appeal and granted permission of the proposed development subject to conditions.
But earlier this month the council took the matter to the High Court to challenge the appeal decision. The council was concerned the planning inspector had failed to properly assess the effects on the ancient woodland.
The court ruled in the councils favour and the appeal will be remitted for a fresh assessment and redetermination.
Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said,
“This outcome is a triumph for enviromental protection.Ensuring that ancient woodland and other valued landscapes continue to thrive is a responsibility we owe to present and future generations.”
For further infomration please contact:
Stacey Robins
Heading of Planning and Environmental Services, Wealden District Council
Email: [email protected]
or
Sian Killean
Media and Communications Officer, Wealden District Council
Tel: 07970233321
Email: [email protected]
