Submitting Objections to Planning Application WD/2025/2269/MAO

The proposed Bellway development at Land in Peelings Lane involves the construction of up to 150 dwellings. Wealden District Council has invited comments on Planning Application WD/2025/2269/MAO to be submitted by 28th December 2025. However, it is worth noting that late comments or objections must still be considered by the case officer before a decision is reached.

You can submit your objection or comments through several channels:

• Online via the Wealden District Council Planning Application Online System (Wealden’s preferred method) here: ttps://planning.wealden.gov.uk/Planning/Display/WD/2025/2269/MAO
• By email to: planning@wealden.gov.uk
• By post to: Planning Applications, WDC, Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX

Please ensure you clearly state the planning application number (WD/2025/2269/MAO) and provide your name and address, otherwise your comments may not be taken into account.

Making Your Objection Count

Planning officers give much greater weight to objections that are individual and personalised. If many objections appear to be copied-and-pasted, they may be treated as a single representation. To make your objection as effective as possible, you could tailor it using the following suggestions:

Begin by introducing yourself and your connection to Peelings Lane or the surrounding area. You might mention how long you have lived locally, how you use Peelings Lane (for example, walking, jogging, horse riding, cycling, dog walking, or walking children to school), and why the lane is important to you, your family, or the wider community.

You could also Include one or two points that reflect your personal experience, such as:

• “My property has experienced surface water flooding before.”
• “I regularly see birds of prey, bats, or hedgehogs along the lane.”

These observations are particularly relevant when linked to issues like safety, flooding, local wildlife, or the tranquillity of the area.

When outlining your specific objections, you could use any or all the following planning points. To make your objection appear unique, rearrange the order of these points: It is also helpful to summarise the reasons for your objections in your own words (we do hold a compilation of objection paragraphs on a wide range of planning considerations if you feel you need assistance, and we would be happy to help you)

• Highway Safety, Traffic & Congestion – Concerns about increased traffic volume and its implications for local roads.
• Loss of Local Amenity – The loss of a quiet walking route and other community benefits.
• Impact on the Pevensey Levels – The site is extremely close to internationally protected wetland areas (SSSI/SAC/RAMSAR designations).
• Flooding & Drainage Concerns – Issues relating to high groundwater levels and poor drainage in the area.
• Pressure on Local Services – Local GP surgeries and other services are already struggling to meet demand.
• Lack of Infrastructure – Increased demand for water supply and wastewater management.
• Harm to Rural Character of Lane – Impact on the unspoilt rural environment of the lane.
• Ecology and Biodiversity Loss – Permanent reduction in the area’s biodiversity value.
• Inappropriate Location – The scale of development is not suitable for this rural landscape

Use your own closing sentence to help ensure each objection is seen as distinct. Example closing phrases include:

• “For the reasons above, I urge the council to refuse this application.”
• “Given the severity of these concerns, I strongly object to the proposal.”
• “This application is unsuitable for Peelings Lane and must be refused”

Drop-In Support Session

The Friends of Peelings Lane will be holding a drop-in session at Westham Village Hall on Sunday, 14th December 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 to provide support and further information (should you need it) for preparing your response. For further help or advice, you can also email: info@friendsofpeelingslane.co.uk.

Your Involvement Matters

This planning proposal is significant and could have detrimental and far-reaching consequences for Peelings Lane the Pevensey Levels and the wider community. It is vital that as many people as possible submit individual objections or comments – ideally, more than one per household. Although the consultation period falls during the Christmas season, please consider adding “submit planning objection!” to your festive to-do list. Peelings Lane needs your support, The Pevensey Levels need your support and so does the village of Westham. Thank you for standing with The Friends of Peelings Lane.