East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council

Statement from East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council – June 2024

Councillors from East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council and Laughton Parish Council met with
representatives for the proposed Oakleigh Garden Community this week. We were given a
presentation regarding their proposals and were provided with an opportunity to ask questions.

In accordance with guidance from the Society of Local Clerks it is important to state that this meeting
was held with the purpose of learning more about the proposed developments and its implications,
not to form a view or make a decision.

In brief, the proposed development covers a 324 hectare site and proposes 4,441 houses (to include
35% affordable), 7-10 hectares of employment space, 1 secondary and 2 primary schools, 2 or 3
large care homes/villages, 100+ hectares of green space, a new community centre with space for
shops, dentist, GP surgery, restaurant/pub/takeaway and a community meeting space. A sports hub
is also proposed that could provide outdoor cricket, tennis, rugby, football and tennis facilities.

The landowner is keen that the development is community driven and so intends to communicate fully
with local residents – what is being presented is very much a first concept. It is intended that there will
be a full programme of public engagement to include workshops, exhibitions and a website.

It is also important to state at this stage that this proposal has been put forward in response to the first
phase (Reg 18) of consultation on the draft Wealden Local Plan. The proposal does not form part of
the draft Local Plan, and in the coming months it will be for officers at WDC to consider and assess
the site, and the proposal, and to respond. For avoidance of doubt, this is not a current planning
application and is still in very early stages of discussion.

As further information, together with timescale becomes available, we will share this with
Parishioners. In the meantime we have consent to share the Vision Document which can be found on
our website (see News)

East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council
June 2024