Wealden District Council has formally issued a series of planning notices that impact several listed buildings and conservation areas, alongside significant development proposals across East Sussex. The public notice was published in the Kent and Sussex Courier and on the Public Notice Portal on January 16, 2026, marking the start of a formal consultation period.
Applications Affecting Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
The council has detailed multiple applications where heritage considerations are paramount. These involve alterations and changes of use within sensitive historic environments.
Crowborough
WD/2025/2640/F: This application seeks a partial change of use from Class E commercial offices to a Class C3 three-bedroom flat at 9 High Street, Crowborough, TN6 2QA. The property is situated within a designated conservation area, requiring careful assessment of its visual and historical impact.
Maresfield
WD/2025/1890/LBR: A retrospective application for the alteration of a fireplace at The Bake House, Strawberry Hall, Cobdown Lane, Five Ash Down, TN22 3AR. This property is a listed building, meaning any modifications must preserve its architectural and historical significance.
Wadhurst
WD/2025/2832/LB and WD/2025/2833/F: These linked applications propose the conversion of an existing garden store into a games room at Great Pell Farm, Pell Hill, Wadhurst, TN5 6EF. The site is both a listed building and within a conservation area, triggering dual heritage protections.
Withyham
WD/2025/2759/FA: This application requests a variation of condition 2 of a previous approval (WD/2024/1204/F) to increase the footprint of an approved detached double cart barn with ancillary accommodation at 1 Spring Cottage, Eridge Road, Groombridge, TN3 9NW. The property is a listed building.
Major Development and Article 15 Notices
In addition to heritage-focused applications, the council has published notices for several major development proposals. These are classified under Article 15 of the Town and Country Planning Order, which mandates additional publicity for major applications or those departing from the local development plan.
Maresfield – Mill House Farm
WD/2025/2826/MAO: A phased development proposal for up to 29 houses at Mill House Farm, Maresfield, TN22 2ED. All matters are reserved except for access, as previously approved under WD/2022/0480/MAO. The notice explicitly states that this proposal does not accord with the adopted development plan.
Maresfield – Flitterbank Farm
WD/2025/2896/FA: This application seeks a variation of condition 2 of WD/2024/1915/F at Flitterbank Farm, The Drive, Maresfield Park, Maresfield, TN22 3ER. It proposes to relocate plots 4–6 and amend various openings. Specific amendments include:
- Plot 1: Addition of a bi-fold door to the family room, replacement of a bi-fold door to the dining room with a window, and addition of a kitchen window.
- Plot 2: Addition of a bi-fold door to the kitchen.
- Plot 5: Replacement of a bi-fold door to the dining room with a window and addition of a kitchen window.
- Plot 6: Addition of a bi-fold door to the kitchen.
The notice confirms this proposal also does not accord with the development plan.
Rotherfield – Highfields Farm
WD/2025/2722/F: A proposal for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings and a dwelling, followed by the erection of 8 new dwellings. The plan includes associated landscaping, amenity spaces, parking, and biodiversity enhancements at Highfields Farm, New Road, Rotherfield, TN6 3JS. This notice similarly states the proposal does not accord with the development plan.
How to View and Comment on the Applications
Members of the public are invited to inspect the full details of these applications. Physical copies can be viewed at the Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX, between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays. Alternatively, all documents are available on the council’s online planning portal.
Any representations or comments must be submitted in writing to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services, quoting the relevant application reference number. The deadline for submissions is no later than February 6, 2026.
Residents who have concerns or believe they may be adversely affected are strongly encouraged to submit clear, planning-focused comments. Material considerations that can be raised include, but are not limited to:
- Heritage impacts on listed buildings and conservation areas.
- The design, scale, and massing of proposed developments.
- Potential effects on traffic generation and parking provision.
- Impacts on residential amenity, such as overlooking or loss of privacy.
- Drainage and flood risk implications.
- Ecological impacts and the requirement for biodiversity net gain.
Key Questions Answered
What is the significance of an Article 15 notice?
Article 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 sets out requirements for additional publicity. This applies to major planning applications or those proposals that constitute a departure from the policies within the adopted local development plan. It ensures a higher level of public awareness and engagement.
Will heritage impacts be properly considered?
Yes. Proposals affecting listed buildings or conservation areas are subject to stringent assessment. Applicants must demonstrate that the significance of the heritage asset is either preserved or enhanced. Harm to heritage assets requires strong and convincing justification.
How many new homes are proposed in these major developments?
Up to 29 homes are proposed at Mill House Farm in Maresfield. A further eight new dwellings are proposed at Highfields Farm in Rotherfield.
Where can I find the full, detailed documents?
Complete details for each application are available via the Wealden District Council’s online planning portal and the national Public Notice Portal. It is essential to use the specific application reference numbers listed for each site to locate the correct documents.
The formal notice appeared in the January 16, 2026 edition of the Kent and Sussex Courier and was simultaneously published on the Public Notice Portal. Residents seeking the most comprehensive information are advised to consult the original public notice and the council's planning portal for complete documentation and any subsequent updates.
