120 homes and open space at Land at Sharnfold Farm, Hailsham Road, Stone Cross

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 120 dwellings, affordable homes, open space, infrastructure and demolition of a livestock shed.

“Application WD/2025/1738/MAO Report to: Majors Planning Committee Date: February 2026 Site address: LAND AT SHARNFOLD FARM, HAILSHAM ROAD, STONE CROSS, BN24 5BU Proposal: OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION (ALL MATTERS RESERVED EXCEPT ACCESS) FOR THE PROVISION OF UP TO 120 DWELLINGS (INCLUDING AFFORDABLE HOMES), ASSOCIATED OPEN SPACE AND INFRASTRUCTURE, TOGETHER WITH DEMOLITION OF REDUNDANT LIVESTOCK SHED.”

“Proposal Outline planning permission is sought for the provision of up to 120 dwellings (incorporating the previously approved Phase 1) including affordable homes, associated open space and infrastructure together with the demolition of a redundant livestock shed. All matters are reserved except for access.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 9.03-hectare site lies at Stone Cross’s western edge between Hailsham Road, the A27, homes and agricultural land.

“Site and Surroundings The site has an area of 9.03ha. The site is not located within any protected national landscape designation areas, although the South Downs National Park lies 3.4km the southwest and is visible from the site location. This site is located at the settlement edge where the urban character of Stone Cross transitions to a rural agricultural landscape.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier refusal for 31 dwellings was overturned on appeal, and those approved homes were incorporated into the current proposal.

“Relevant Planning History As noted above the wider site has benefitted from two separate Screening Opinions for which the conclusions remain relevant. On the 10 th of November 2021 the Council refused planning permission, against officer recommendation, for the erection of 31 dwellings (WD/2020/2047/MAO) on the northern section of the current site. This decision was appealed and on 18 May 2023 the appeal was allowed, and planning permission was granted for 31 dwellings.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Highways and drainage bodies raised no objection subject to measures, while the parish council and residents raised concerns about development impacts.

“The proposed access arrangement is also considered to be acceptable. • The previous objection from ESCC Highways is therefore withdrawn; however, it is recommended that any grant of consent be subject to the obligations and conditions which are covered in detail in the following report. • The previous highway comments relating to the internal layout, parking provision, highway impacts and associated matters remain relevant and should be considered alongside this report.”

“Westham Parish Council - Objection (12 September 2025) Principle of Development & Land Use • The site lies outside the Stone Cross development boundary, where open countryside should be protected. Similar applications nearby have been refused on this basis. • The proposal would cause a permanent change from rural to urban character, resulting in loss of valued landscape, local distinctiveness, and heritage setting.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor spoke against the application.

The committee vote

Councillor Williams proposed approval and Councillor Collins seconded it, in line with the officer recommendation.

“Decision/Voting: On the basis that Members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report.”

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Collins to approve outline planning permission, in line with Officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision and requirements

Permission was granted subject to conditions, informatives and a Section 106 agreement securing affordable housing, recreation, transport, highways and biodiversity measures.

“RESOLVED: That outline planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives outlined in the report and Officer update and subject to completion within a timely manner of a Section 106 Agreement to secure:”

“The applicant has failed to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that they could secure the proper provision and delivery of he necessary infrastructure improvements to meet the additional demands generated by the proposed development and to ensure there would be no adverse impacts on highways and provision of affordable housing Therefore, the proposal is considered contrary to saved Policies CS1 and TR3 of the adopted Wealden Local Plan 1998,…”

Minutes