Wivelsfield Green Residents Raise Concerns Over Rapid Housing Development
The village of Wivelsfield Green in East Sussex, long regarded as the inspiration for the fictional Trumptonshire of the classic Camberwick Green television series, is now at the centre of growing concern over rapid residential development. On June 7, local residents held a silent protest at the South Road development site, aiming to raise awareness among potential buyers about the environmental and community impact of ongoing construction in the area.
Organised by the local campaign group NoToWivelsTown, the protest coincided with a public open day hosted by the developers. Campaigners distributed leaflets and engaged with visitors, urging them to critically assess the sustainability claims made in promotional materials. “A sustainable label in planning documents doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s happening on the ground,” said a group spokesperson. “Tearing up green fields and removing established hedgerows is not a biodiversity net gain.”
According to the group, Wivelsfield Green was originally home to approximately 360 residences. Less than a decade ago, plans for only 30 new homes were under discussion. Today, over 1,000 homes are either planned or approved across the wider parish, contributing to more than 6,000 new builds in the surrounding region. Residents fear this rate of development will outpace local infrastructure capacity, putting pressure on schools, public transport, healthcare, and other essential services.
Developers, including Elivia Homes, have promoted the South Road project as a high-quality, sustainable community, with features such as heat pumps designed to reduce energy bills and environmental impact. However, campaigners have questioned the broader ecological and social consequences. The NoToWivelsTown group has contacted the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding what they allege is misleading language in marketing materials used to promote the site.
This development is part of a wider trend in the area. Just two miles away, a 375-home project at Hurstwood Lane in Haywards Heath has recently been approved. The plan includes a primary school, burial ground, allotments, and park space. Meanwhile, an additional 96 homes are being constructed off Ditchling Road in Wivelsfield, adding further to the region’s rapid growth.
While residents acknowledge the need for new housing, they stress the importance of balanced, environmentally responsible development. “We are not opposed to new homes,” a protester said. “But we believe developments must be planned in a way that respects the local landscape, infrastructure limits, and the character of our village.” As the transformation of Wivelsfield Green accelerates, its residents are making it clear: the future of their community should not be shaped without their voice.
