VIDEO: Residents voice frustration over '˜town having its heart torn out'

Despite the cold blustery weather, families wrapped up warm and held up banners and posters on the ‘ordered walk’, which set off at 10am at The Fox and Hounds pub.

The proposed developments are 151 new homes in Gamblemead, 320 new homes in Rookery Farm, in Rocky Lane and up to 400 new homes in Hurstwood Lane – which are all yet to be considered by Mid Sussex District Council.

Objections to the developments include: the danger of roads and increase in traffic, the lack of infrastructure in the town, an unrealistic transport plan, the ancient woodlands and wildlife and outlook for residents who moved to the town for a semi-rural lifestyle.

Stephanie Went, 54, who organised the event moved to Fox Hill three years ago for the semi-rural lifestyle and has lived in Haywards Heath for 18 years.

She said: “I am so pleased about the number of residents who came along. Let’s hope it’s a catalyst for a real turning point for our green belt, ancient woodland and communities as a whole.”

Adrian Warwick, 80, has lived in Fox Hill for 42 years and has been involved in the campaigning from the very start. He said he was ‘amazed’ by the number of residents who had become involved.

He said: “It was bigger numbers than we had hoped for and was all down to Stephanie.

“Today it sometimes feels that this spirit lives on as so many are obliged to fight again to protect their hard earned family homes, lifestyles and outlooks from outsiders.

“Our town signs say that Haywards Heath is the heart of Mid Sussex. I have always loved living in this part of the country but the reality today is that this area of Haywards Heath is having its heart torn out whilst breaking the hearts of a captive and ageing community in the process.”

Suzy Sambell, 43, a secondary school teacher who lives off Rookery Way in Fox Hill, came along to the protest and highlighted the ‘already overburdened’ infrastructure of the town.

She said: “The pressure on school places, on doctors spaces and dentist appointments are virtually impossible to come by.

“And with the additional increase in so many families living around this end of the town – that pressure will worsen. Not to mention the volume of traffic and the lack of through roads.”

Matthew Chapman, 48, of Fox Hill Village, said there was ‘no other way to make the town’s voice heard’.

He said: “The whole burden of truth that’s been shifted in favour of the developers and the odds are just so stacked against us to make any sort of protest.