17 April 2026
We are delighted to share that Lewes District Council has refused outline planning permission for the proposed development of up to 250 homes at Goldbridge Farm, Goldbridge Road, Newick (application reference LW/25/0148, submitted by Brookworth (South East) Ltd).
This is a significant victory for Newick and a testament to the strength of community opposition. Thank you to everyone who objected, put up a sign, donated, or attended one of our events - your voices have been heard.
The Council gave three reasons for refusal:
The Council found that the development's scale, siting and coverage would cause a significant and irreversible loss of openness on a prominent approach to the village. It would fundamentally alter Newick's rural setting, identity and historic nucleated settlement form.
The proposal would also damage the rural character of the wider countryside - including land extending northwards towards the High Weald National Landscape - and would present as an unsympathetic and incongruous presence in views to and from the High Weald.
The Council also noted that the site's single means of access (directly from the main road into the village), combined with buffers required around heritage assets, would result in a development that functions as a sprawling enclave rather than an integral part of the village.
Policies cited: LLP1 CP10, LLP2 DM1/DM25/DM27/DM35, NPPF paragraphs 135 and 187, NNP policies HO1, EN1 and EN3.
The Council refused permission because the applicant failed to submit a detailed Agricultural Land Classification survey or soil assessment. Without this evidence, the Council could not be satisfied that the development would not result in the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 or 3a), particularly given the established presence of high-quality agricultural land nearby.
Policies cited: LLP2 DM19, NPPF paragraph 187.
250 dwellings significantly exceeds the scale of housing growth envisaged for Newick within the spatial strategy. The Council confirmed that the inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply does not justify development of a scale that is disproportionate to the size, role and function of the settlement - especially where significant environmental harm would arise.
Policies cited: LLP1 SP2, LLP2 DM1, NPPF paragraph 12.
The developer has the right to appeal this decision. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update the community if an appeal is lodged.
Please keep your signs up - the campaign is not over yet!
Thank you for standing with us to Save Newick Village.