Preserving Our Villages,
Protecting Our Community
Handcross | Pease Pottage | Slaugham | Warninglid
In response to the Mid-Sussex District Plan update of May 2026 that proposes 1,042 new homes in Pease Pottage and Handcross, we are a dedicated community group focused on protecting the heritage and character of our villages from uncontrolled, large-scale housing developments.
Our Mission
To advocate for developments proposed in our district, one that has already accepted extensive development, only being approved where adequately justified with cumulative impact assessments, with infrastructure rigorously stress-tested and with a fully transparent process that engages the local community.
Group Principles
Cohesive
Constructive
Community
One unified voice, respecting both villages with a clear strategic goal
Evidence-led, not emotive. With clear separation between fact‑checking and opinion
Transparent, engaged and non-political
News & Events
Drop-In Sessions Now Scheduled:
Thursday 27th Aug, 6.00-7.30pm
Tuesday 1st Sep, 6.00-7.30pm
Saturday 5th Sep, 10.00-11.30am
all at MacNaughton Hall, Old Brighton Rd South.
Handcross dates TBC. For questions contact support@savehandcross.co.uk
Ask questions about the development applications, site testing, our research and planning process. The team will also be to advise on submitting your response to the MSDC Planning office.
** Breaking News: 20th July, 2026 **
In devastating news, it appears that all four housing sites in Pease Pottage and Handcross have been forwarded by Mid Sussex District Council to the planning inspector, in consideration for the District Plan.
MSDC said it would share the results of in-combination testing, showing how sites had been examined, by week commencing 13th July. We are still waiting for that information **. Whether this is an administrative delay or because doing thorough testing in such a short timescale was always going to be impossible, time will tell. We feel that we can’t wait any longer and must now give you an urgent update.
** Update 1st August - testing detail has since been released and is now being examined by the Steering Group.
What this means for us
Over 26% of the increased housing supply is now being targeted for two villages that have already doubled in size in the last decade.
Villages at the furthest limit from the decision makers.
Villages where water, roads, education, medical care and other infrastructures have seen no real investment.
Villages where we live with outages, congestion and destruction of nature every day.
Remember, building on the AONB is supposed to be a last resort. Brownfield sites exist across Sussex with capacity for 26,000 homes but of course, are less profitable for developers.
What next
We have built a list of difficult questions and strong arguments. We now believe that this is the time to hold our first public meeting, where we can share, listen and start the process of representing ourselves.
Follow the Facebook Group | Register for the Newsletter | Tell Your Neighbours.
'One for all' strategy
6th July, 2026
A reminder why residents should consider impact of all sites, not just those closest to them:
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Water and energy shortages and outages impact all communities across the district.
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Increased traffic affects all surrounding routes, particularly at peak times.
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Pressure on Schools may mean your child not getting first choice locally, further adding to transport pressures.
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Investment in GPs, Schools and Healthcare does not always increase capacity. Costs and staffing have seen other new neighbourhood facilities go unused.
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Lost natural habitats cannot be replaced.
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Divide and concur: planners and developers win when communities and objections become fragmented.
Handcross residents meeting
4th July 2026
The PPPH Handcross Residents Group will be hosting its first community meeting on Tuesday 14th July. All community members are welcome to attend, discuss potential impact of all sites and learn about our coordinated response.
Note: this is not associated with Slaugham Parish Council sessions which are running until 9th July.
Date: Tuesday, 14th July 2026,
Time: from 5:30 PM
Location: All Saints Church, Handcross
Parish Council Surgeries
14th June, 2026
Slaugham Parish Council will be hosting surgeries dedicated to the District Plan Updates.
Saturday 27-June 10am-1pm
Sports Pavilion, Handcross
Thursday 2nd July 5.30pm – 7.30pm MacNaughton Hall, Pease Pottage
Thursday 9th July 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Sports Pavilion, Handcross
Follow local Facebook groups and SPC website for updates.
View all sites
14th June 2026
All sites selected for in-combination testing are listed on the MSDC District Plan site, Appendix 1 + Appendix 2:
818 - Land north of the Former Golf House, Horsham Road, Pease Pottage (41 Units)
1188 - Land at Pease Field, Pease Pottage (196 Units)
603 - Land to the West of Woodhurst Farm, Old Brighton Road South, Pease Pottage (700 Units)
181 - Land west of Truggers, Handcross (105 Units)
Important Note
14th June 2026
Guidance provided by Slaugham Parish Council:
The District Council have confirmed that the list of sites forms part of ongoing examination process and that further testing is required. Inclusion on this list does not mean that any site will be taken forward into the final District Plan, nor does it guarantee planning permission.
Please do not write to Mid-Sussex District Council as these sites are not confirmed as deliverable at this stage and remain subject to further testing.
Sites
