DIPLOCKS AND ERSHAM ROAD ROUNDABOUT PLANS MOVE FORWARD

A screening application has been made to Wealden District Council to build homes on land east of Battle Road in Hailsham.

The application submitted by Fernham Homes is to find out if the land requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to build on, prior to a full application being made.

If successful, the land measuring 16.5 hectares would see 200 homes built including 35% affordable housing.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is used to assess the significant effects a development proposal has on the environment.

They make sure that project decision-makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects it might have.

in Hailsham are progressing after plans for four junction roundabout were moved forward. The Ersham Road and South Road Junction will see the large roundabout constructed to ease major traffic congestion at peak times.

In May this year, the Secretary of State approved the request to deregister the common land on the junction of South Road, Ersham Road and Diplocks Way, to make way for a new roundabout.

An application made jointly between Wealden District Council, Hailsham Town Council and East Sussex County Council was needed to deregister the current land and exchange it for designated common land. This construction of the roundabout.

Ann Newton, leader of Wealden District Council said: “The ability to improve the junction has been years in the preparation and promised to residents of Hailsham for some time. Having already earmarked funding for the project, we are delighted that this decision meets the next key project milestone enabling the delivery of key infrastructure for Hailsham.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure delivery on the ground as quickly as possible. We are confident that this change will make the road less congested for traffic entering and leaving the town, which currently is a cause for concern.”