A government-appointed planning inspector has approved the construction of 49 homes on the historic grounds of a 300-year-old listed rectory in East Sussex, prompting alarm among heritage campaigners and local officials.
The site, part of a former parsonage in Buxted dating back six centuries, surrounds a Grade II* listed rectory built in 1694 by Dr Anthony Saunders — the same cleric credited with contributing to the rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The house, likened to Groombridge Place and thought to bear the influence of Sir Christopher Wren, is described as “one of the most remarkable original rectories in the country.”
The Times reports that Wealden council had unanimously rejected the application by Brookworth Homes last year, backed by its conservation team and Historic England.
NOT STRONG ENOUGH
However, the decision was overturned on appeal by the inspector, who acknowledged the building’s historical importance but ruled the heritage impact was not “strong” enough to block the development under new planning guidance.
Critics say the ruling exposes the unintended consequences of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduced in December under Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (main picture).
The revised guidance states that in areas lacking a local housing plan, heritage concerns must be deemed “strong” to influence planning outcomes — a shift opponents argue undermines the 1990 Listed Buildings Act.
DANGEROUS PRECEDENT
“This decision moves the goalposts,” said local historian Richard Murray. “It sets a dangerous precedent for heritage protection.”
Lord Moore of Etchingham, chair of the Rectory Society, warned that inspectors may be overlooking the cultural and historical value of rectories: “They are treasure houses of national significance, but they’re not being properly appreciated.”
Local residents are now urging Wealden council to seek a judicial review. The Ministry of Housing insists no statutory protections for heritage assets have been removed.
