Following a landmark case, brought to the High Court by Wealden District Council, plans to build on the ancient woodland at Wellshurst Golf and Country Club in Hellingly have been temporarily rejected.
In 2022, Downsview Leisure Ltd submitted plans for a development involving camping facilities such as pods, caravans and a site office in ancient woodland at Wellshurst Gold and Country Club.
The plans were rejected by Wealden District Council on account of environmental damage. However this led the applicants to lodge an appeal leading to the appointment of a planning inspector who granted permission for the development to go ahead.
But, in early April, the council took the matter to the High Court who ruled in the council's favour meaning the case will be remitted for a new appeal assessment and redetermination- saving the ancient forest in the short term.
Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “This outcome is a triumph for environmental protection. Ensuring that ancient woodland and other valued landscapes continue to thrive is a responsibility we owe to present and future generations.”
Eastbourne father and son to take on Tough Mudder challenge after receiving life-changing diagnosis
Man charged with series of assaults in Eastbourne
17,000 council tax debts handed to Sussex bailiffs last year
Eastbourne: Customers furious on 'appalling' Bournefest communication
Local student Rosie Birch takes on 100km charity walk for Cancer Research UK
Eastbourne man dies at Big Church Festival
Collision between motorbike and pedestrian in Hailsham
Classic cars will be on show at big Bexhill event on Bank Holiday Monday
