Fresh concerns have been voiced about a major housing development planned for East Sussex.
An educational establishment holding land in the locality has confirmed its involvement in blueprints for up to 3,000 homes close to Plumpton Green, following the resurrection of plans for a fresh settlement east of the village.
The establishment said it was operating as a responsible long-term steward and had been upfront about its role from the outset, responding to claims from local inhabitants that a newly registered company was being used to push the scheme forward.
Locals have voiced fierce resistance to the project, with Lorraine Novak expressing that it was absurd that no land would remain.
Alan Dobson described the idea as terrible, while Chantelle Cheeseman questioned whether new building was needed when existing properties remain vacant. She asked why the countless empty and abandoned homes were not being renovated and occupied instead of continuing to destroy green spaces when so many properties sat vacant.
A spokesperson for the institution explained that Eton’s interest was as a responsible long-term steward of its land and that it was not a housebuilder and would not undertake construction itself. The proposals were intended to help address the acute housing shortage in Lewes District, particularly the need for affordable homes and supporting infrastructure, while ensuring the College’s endowment was managed responsibly supporting the College’s charitable activities.
Rownsmoss Wessex Limited, a firm whose directors have connections to the educational establishment, recently reached out to the district council requesting an environmental impact assessment before filing a planning submission.
The blueprint covers 2,600 to 3,000 dwellings, with 40 percent allocated as affordable accommodation, and includes housing suited for elderly residents. The scheme additionally features a primary school with room for two to four classes, a nursery, retail area, community hub, sporting amenities, countryside footpaths, a fresh public garden, and improved transport links.
The development schedule anticipates lodging the planning submission in December 2026, with building work starting in 2029 and reaching completion by 2039.
Previous plans encountered pushback in 2021 from conservation groups concerned about pollution of the Bevern Stream and harm to sea trout numbers. During that earlier dispute, the Ouse and Adur River Trust warned that contaminated runoff entering the watercourse could threaten one of the country’s most important sea trout breeding grounds.
The current application is being pursued via an alternative corporate arrangement. An institution representative stressed that Eton College was the long-term owner of land at North Barnes near Plumpton Green and had always been open about its role as landowner. They added that as with many large development projects, work was being progressed with professional advisers and delivery partners, including the use of special-purpose project companies as a normal part of the planning process.
The scheme remains subject to formal planning processes and further public consultation.