Consultation opens into 1,700-home proposal

A public consultation into plans to build 1,700 new homes near a town in East Sussex has opened.

Two in-person events are to be held on Friday and Saturday for the proposed development south of Uckfield, near the A22, which runs around the town.

The plans by Fairfax Homes include up to 89 hectares of open space and play areas, a primary school, later living accommodation and sports facilities.

Opposition group Sabreowl claim the proposed development would create substantial harm to the character of the area, further arguing that the site is "remote and disconnected" from Uckfield town.

Fairfax Home's plan also includes provision for 35% affordable housing, a community hub with co-working facilities and a number of allotments.

However, Sabreowl also have concerns about whether the road network could withstand an increase in traffic and claim there are "already problems with water and sewage for housing" in the area.

The in-person events will be held at Uckfield Civic Centre on Friday, from 15:00 to 20:00 GMT, and on Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00.

An online consultation is open from Friday until 14 March.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.