A series of significant planning applications across Wealden District, including works to protected heritage assets and a notable variation to an approved scheme in Wadhurst, have been formally announced via a statutory public notice.
Key Planning Applications Under Scrutiny
The notice, published on the Public Notice Portal and in the Kent & Sussex Courier on Friday, December 26, 2025, details several proposals requiring careful consideration. Residents and stakeholders are urged to examine the plans, which include:
Heritage and Conservation Area Works
In Hartfield, application WD/2025/2766/LB seeks permission to repair the former shopfront façade at Vine House on High Street. The plans involve dismantling and rebuilding a canted bay window and re-rendering the façade. This property sits within a conservation area and is a listed building.
In Uckfield, two applications are highlighted. The first, WD/2025/2677/LB, concerns repairs to cracks in external walls and adding attic roof strengthening at The Old Chapel on London Road, a listed building. The second, WD/2025/2688/F, proposes installing four new ground floor windows and two rooflights at 33 High Street, a commercial unit within a conservation area.
In Mayfield and Five Ashes, a part-retrospective application (WD/2025/2769/F) for 1 Rothermead covers a range of works including a rear conservatory, a new flat roof, raising a boundary fence, garden levelling, and re-rendering the main house dark grey.
Wadhurst Development Variation Flags Concern
A particularly notable application comes from Wadhurst. Progressive Developers Ltd (acting through Jenner Jones LLP) has submitted application WD/2025/2678/FA. This seeks to vary condition 2 of a previously approved scheme (WD/2024/2518/F) at Broadwater Lodge, 10a Stone Cross Road.
The variation would allow changes to the design and orientation of plot 2. The notice explicitly states this proposal does not accord with the development plan in force, invoking Article 15. This means the council must weigh material planning considerations with extra care before making a decision.
How to Have Your Say
Members of the public are invited to inspect all application documents. They can be viewed at Wealden District Council offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham BN27 2AX, between 8:30am and 5pm on weekdays. Alternatively, documents are available online via the council's own planning portal.
Any representations must be submitted in writing to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services. It is crucial to quote the relevant application reference number. The deadline for all comments is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Why These Applications Matter
These proposals are significant for several reasons. Many involve works to designated heritage assets or properties within conservation areas. In these cases, the local planning authority has a statutory duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of these sensitive locations.
The Wadhurst application is especially critical as its noted non-compliance with the local development plan raises the stakes for the decision-making process. Neighbouring residents, parish councils, and heritage organisations will likely scrutinise the details of all applications, particularly where changes to design, boundaries, fenestration, or garden levels are proposed.
The full statutory notice remains available for reference on the Public Notice Portal for those seeking comprehensive details.
