Page 377 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

EDF once had a large workforce at its Wealden House offices but now only employs a
small number of people, all from outside the village.

Other businesses in the village are small, typically with fewer then 5 employees,
although many provide a useful and valued service to the community as well as
employment to a small number of residents.
The businesses include a village shop, Post Office, Butchers, Hairdressers, Blacksmith,
Accountants, Primary School and Pre-School. A therapy centre provides access to
alternative and complementary therapies including massage and acupuncture. There
are several businesses based at the Wealden House Life Improvement Centre,
including a Scientology Centre, private doctor and hairdressers.

Around 92 residents are in paid
employment in the village (plus 14
paperboys and girls), while
another 84 are self-employed.

Most businesses are happy with
facilities in Ashurst Wood and
have no plans to leave.

Ivy Dene Lane Industrial Estate

This is located at the end of Ivy Dene Lane to the north of the village and outside the
Built Up Area Boundary. There was once a commercial laundry at the site and its
buildings have been converted into small business units. There is a large animal feed
business, garage door business, a joinery business, an MOT Centre, car repair
workshop and a Gym.
The Mid Sussex Local Plan 2004 saved Policy AW2 allocates the land for business
purposes and residents at consultation events have confirmed their support for
businesses in the village and for retaining the Industrial Estate. A policy similar to the
Mid Sussex Local Plan 2004 Policy AW2 will therefore be included in this Plan in order
to maintain the current position over the Plan period.

Redevelopment of the site for business purposes would benefit visual amenity by
improving the appearance and character of the site, which borders the countryside,
but there are constraints to development. Access is via a narrow track which leads
from Ivy Dene Lane, a residential area, and also serves a small group of houses at The
Rocks. Therefore the use of large commercial vehicles is unsuitable and the Estate
should remain in use by small businesses. These constraints mean that any increase
to the existing gross floorspace on the site would be hard to support and this stance is
in line with the current development plan policy.

AWNP March 2016 Page 34