Public inquiry into 1,250 homes

Developers appealed against Wealden planners' decision to refuse consent for the applications.

These were lodged by Heron Land Developments, Persimmon Homes and Gallagher Estates for 197 new homes on land at Bird in Eye (south) and Taylor Woodrow Developments for 300 new homes and 930 square metres of business space on land at Bird in Eye (north).

Also being considered is the appeal by the Clarence Preston Will Trust and Barham Estates for 750 homes on land at Downlands Farm, Snatts Road.

The Inquiry began in January this year and over-ran the time allocated to it.

The re-convened Inquiry will run from June 17-19 at the Weald Hall, Uckfield Civic Centre transferring to the East Sussex National Golf Club, Little Horsted from July 1-18.

The issue was clouded with controversy earlier this year when Wealden District Council said Bird in Eye (south) was its favoured option if more building is to be allowed in the area.

At the time chairman of the town council's planning committee Cllr Len Ashby said: 'Never has an officer received instructions from councillors to prefer one site over another.

'In my opinion Wealden has gone soft on Bird in Eye.'

A district spokesman explained the planning appeal process requires both sides to indicate 'what conditions they would require to be imposed or be prepared to accept' should planning permission be granted.