Hundreds of villagers protested on Saturday against controversial plans by Eton College to develop a new town comprising 3,250 homes on green-belt land adjacent to the South Downs National Park. The proposed development in East Chiltington village could drastically alter the area, with locals concerned it would effectively 'wipe out' the ancient hamlet.
More than 200 residents attended the protest, which coincided with a meeting held by developers Welbeck Land. Eton College acquired the 450-acre site, located approximately 60 miles from the school, several years ago as an investment. The plans, which are reportedly modeled after Poundbury in Dorset, have drawn significant opposition due to the projected population increase in the parish from 400 to 6,000 residents, and the potential absorption of two neighboring villages, creating a settlement of over 10,000 people.
Residents voiced concerns about the environmental impact, including the destruction of wildlife habitats and increased pollution from traffic, as the development site borders the protected South Downs National Park. Concerns were also raised about the strain on local infrastructure and the potential for gridlock.
This is the second attempt by Eton College to develop the land; a previous proposal in 2021 was rejected by planning authorities aiming to preserve East Chiltington. The college's previous proposals were reportedly thwarted when local planners identified East Chiltington as one of the few remaining undeveloped areas in East Sussex.
Opponents argue that the development is inappropriate for the location, citing its distance from Eton College's primary campus in Berkshire and the lack of adequate infrastructure. Retired builder Steve Funnell, 64, described the plans as 'shameful and destructive,' while Jenni Toomey, 72, highlighted the centuries-old nature of the hamlet, stating that Eton's plans aimed to alter it solely for financial gain.
Welbeck Land, the developers working with Eton, stated that their eight-week public consultation aims to address the area's need for housing and help reduce property prices. Alistair Watson, chief executive of Welbeck Land, argued that concentrating new homes and infrastructure in one location offers more benefits than piecemeal development, especially given the scarcity of developable land outside the national park. He suggested these plans present an opportunity for sustainable growth in the Lewes district, close to a rail station.
The protest occurs as the government has announced intentions to relax planning laws, facilitating the construction of new homes on undeveloped land near train stations. East Chiltington is located two miles from Plumpton, which has a train station. The proposed relaxation of rules could mean a 'default yes' for homes within walking distance of well-connected stations, potentially aiding Eton's current proposal.
James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, has expressed opposition to the plans, citing concerns about the urbanisation of the South Downs, environmental impacts on wildlife, and the significant increase in traffic and carbon emissions.
