Mims Davies MP's statement on the Proposed North Barnes Farm Development, East Chiltington
I am aware of the significant concerns being raised regarding the proposed North Barnes Farm development at East Chiltington, often referred to by my constituents as the "Eton New Town" proposal. It is my role to represent their views and highlight their local concerns.
Whilst the site itself falls outside my constituency boundaries, the reality is that developments of such a significant scale do not simply stop at constituency borders. As an MP representing communities within Lewes District, I have been made aware that my constituents in nearby South Chailey and across the wider northern part of the district are deeply worried about the potential impact of a major scheme proposing around 3,250 homes immediately adjacent to existing villages and close to the South Downs National Park.
I have consistently said that we do need more homes, particularly for younger people and local families seeking to get onto the housing ladder. New housing should be delivered in an environmentally conscious way, supported by the right infrastructure, and planned in a manner that respects and protects the character of our rural communities. I do not believe that extremely large developments in remote rural locations, without sufficient healthcare provision, school places, water resources and local services, represent the right approach.
It is clear that the scale and scope of this proposal would threaten, rather than enhance, the precious rural character of this part of Sussex and the landscape surrounding the South Downs. The Labour Government have made housebuilding a major priority. However, their approach has too often been haphazard, creating unnecessary conflict and opposition to an agenda that should command broader support.
Residents in South Chailey and surrounding villages are understandably asking what the implications would be for already congested local roads, pressure on public services, and the wider rural landscape, including the setting of the National Park.
My constituents have real and valid concerns, and these deserve to be taken seriously and addressed transparently by both those promoting the scheme and the relevant planning authorities.
Campaign groups and local residents have rightly highlighted potential impacts on wildlife, working farmland, food security, local traffic levels and the setting of the South Downs National Park, all of which must be carefully scrutinised through the planning process.
It is also important to note that similar proposals for North Barnes Farm were previously assessed by Lewes District Council, which concluded that the site was unsuitable for inclusion in its draft Local Plan.
Despite that apparent victory for local residents, there is now a real danger that years of delay in progressing a Local Plan have left our rural communities more vulnerable than they should be. Effective local government requires difficult decisions, long-term planning and meaningful engagement with local communities. Too many opportunities have been missed since 2023 to put in place the updated planning framework needed to provide greater protection and certainty for residents.
As a result, communities across Lewes District now find themselves increasingly exposed to Labour's 2024 changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which place particular pressure on authorities without an up-to-date Local Plan.
National policy changes, combined with local policy failures, are having a growing impact on communities across the Lewes District parts of my constituency. We are seeing major planning pressures emerge in places such as Wivelsfield, Newick, Barcombe, Cooksbridge and now, right on the doorstep of South Chailey, in East Chiltington.
As the Member of Parliament for East Grinstead, Uckfield and the villages, I will continue to stand up for the rural communities I represent and ensure that the voices of residents in South Chailey and neighbouring areas are heard. Local people must not be sidelined in decisions that could fundamentally alter the character of the area for generations to come.
I will always support the principle of building new homes because, for many people, they are desperately needed. However, development must be sustainable, infrastructure-led, environmentally responsible and, wherever possible, supported by local communities.
We simply cannot fall into a wholly anti-housing mindset. There will always be windfall developments, new sites, brownfield opportunities and appropriate forms of rural diversification. However, protecting our most rural areas and our most precious landscapes remains the right priority, and I will continue to reflect the clear views of my constituents on this matter.
To read Mim Davies’ statement on her website, please click here.