Land surrounding Ridgewood Farm, to the west of Uckfield, was identified in Wealden District Council's adopted core strategy as being capable of accommodating up to 1,000 new homes and 12,650 square metres of employment space.
WDS consulted on initial proposals for the site last February and has now submitted an updated masterplan to the Council for approval. The proposed scheme includes a new neighbourhood with up to 1,000 homes in a mix of sizes and tenures and nearly 13,500 sq m of employment space.
Existing farmhouse and brick buildings near the centre of the site would be converted under the plans, to provide a local convenience shop, health facilities and a community meeting space. A one-form primary school, with potential to be expanded to two forms, has been proposed immediately to the south of the converted buildings.
The plans also include an area near the A22 for the provision of leisure facilities, with potential for use as a pub or restaurant. In order to mitigate the impact of the proposed development on the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area, suitable alternative natural green space, in the form of a 29 hectare recreation area, has been proposed to the west of the A22.