Lib Dems speak out in opposition to 500 homes at hearing
Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Liberal De mocrats spoke in opposition to plans for 500 houses north of Clayton Mills in Hassocks at a Public Hearing on 5th February. The Lib Dems were represented by Colin Wilsdon and Benedict Dempsey. Lib Dem Councillor Kirsty Lord attended in her capacity as West Sussex County Councillor for Hassocks & Burgess Hill South. The special hearing had been called by the Planning Inspector after more than 1000 local residents registered their opposition to the proposed modification to the Mid Sussex District Plan. When combined with other new houses that are planned for Hassocks, the village could see approximately 900 new homes over the Plan period to 2031. If these developments go ahead, the village would be set to grow by more than 25%. When Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) initially voted on the plans in September 2017, Liberal Democrat Sue Hatton (Hassocks Ward) was the only councillor to vote against the them. Hassocks' other two District Councillors, Conservatives Michell
