On Thursday (July 23), Wealden District Council’s Majors Planning Committee approved an outline application to build up to 36 homes to the south of Howard Close. The bid by Trafalgar Group Ltd saw opposition from local residents who argued it would harm the area and put additional pressure on infrastructure. Objections were raised by Hailsham Town Council over highway safety; infrastructure pressures; the loss of trees from the site; and the proximity of the site to the Hailsham Wastewater Treatment Works. The committee heard that loss of trees had been judged to be acceptable by the council’s arboricultural officer. When put to the vote, the motion to approve in line with the officers’ recommendation saw two in favour, two against with one abstaining.