Ancient Sussex Woodland SAVED From Development After Landmark Ruling

An appeal decision on a proposed development in Hellingly has been challenged in the High Court by Wealden District Council.

The ruling means that ancient woodland at Wellshurst Golf and Country Club in Hellingly has been saved from development for the time being.

A planning application was submitted to Wealden council in 2022 from Downsview Leisure Ltd for a proposed development, which consisted of camping facilities in the form of pods, caravans and a site office on land owned by the golf club to add to the leisure facilities already in place.

The application was refused by the council because of environmental impacts on designated ancient woodland and landscape.

Following the council’s refusal, an appeal was lodged by the applicants.

A planning inspector was appointed and allowed the appeal and granted planning permission of the proposed development, subject to conditions.

But earlier this month the council took the matter to the High Court to challenge the appeal decision.

The council was concerned the planning inspector had failed to properly assess the effects on the ancient woodland.

The court ruled in the council’s favour and the appeal will be remitted for a fresh appeal assessment and redetermination.

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.”