A demonstration will be held to oppose extensive housebuilding proposals which locals claim could saturate three rural communities.
Inhabitants from Hurstpierpoint, Sayers Common and Albourne plan to convene at the village green in Hurstpierpoint on August 29 to voice opposition to schemes they estimate would introduce over 5,900 additional dwellings to the locality.
The event, coordinated by community organisations such as Keep Hurst a Village and the College Lane Action Group, follows concerns that the suggested development would effectively eliminate the gaps separating Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and Burgess Hill, blending them into one continuous built-up zone.
A representative for Keep Hurst a Village stated that the village is being expected to accommodate housing comparable to an entire new municipality.
The community characterises the settlement through its protected zones and medieval-era street layout that was never intended to accommodate contemporary vehicle volumes.
The main commercial street already faces significant congestion; the vehicle movements generated by more than 5,900 fresh households would leave the historic road system in a state of perpetual gridlock.
The housing designations form part of Mid Sussex’s District Plan examination, currently open for public feedback.
One notable designation involves 750 residences covering the parishes of Burgess Hill, Hurstpierpoint, Sayers Common and Hassocks.
Locals also express annoyance at the revival of previously dismissed development locations, including plans for construction along College Lane.
That area functions as the remaining undeveloped strip separating Hurstpierpoint from Hassocks.
An identical proposal was turned down by the Government in 2013 to preserve the gap between the settlements, though building proposals for this land have resurfaced.
Activists maintain that infrastructure and amenities cannot manage the anticipated expansion and point out that the Mid Sussex Health Centre is already functioning at maximum occupancy.
They additionally highlight that numerous proposed locations consist of dense Weald clay prone to saturation and potential flooding.
College Lane is specifically mentioned regarding transportation worries, with existing difficulties for large vehicles and emergency services accessing the area.
The gathering will run from 9am until 11am.
The deadline for responses to Mid Sussex’s District Plan examination is September 7.