Building Opinions: Robert Nemeth
South Downs Lodges
The recent failure by the South Downs National Park Authority to stop the destruction of Pondtail Wood in Albourne was inexcusable.
It was back in April this year that work started on the removal of thirteen acres of protected woodland not far from the Ginger Fox restaurant. It wasn’t until long after the trees had been burnt and rubble dumped in their place that the Park Authority got involved. I’m desperately in need of a good news story to restore my faith in the organisation’s ability to deal with planning matters.
One such example might be South Downs Lodges which is tucked between South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks Football Club, the railway line, Bonny’s Wood and the Brighton Road.
Had it not been for the Tates family, the site may well have ended up densely packed with 43 caravans. As owners of South Downs Nurseries next-door, it made sense for the family to purchase the site. The proposed caravan park made no sense at all so the family put forward new plans for five attractive cedar-clad lodges with views towards Ditchling Beacon. There is also a restored barn and French gypsy caravan.
Given the over-populated nature of this part of the country, development within the National Park is pretty much inevitable. How it is handled is key. The lodges are attractive in this location and do feel traditional. Each is packed with eco features such as a timber frame, wooden windows, floor-to-ceiling glass to let in plenty of light, and galvanised guttering and drainpipes. As one would expect, the landscaping is tasteful and features photinias, formiums, mahonias and many other plants that grow well in Sussex.
The lodges are let out through Blue Chip Holidays and achieve an occupancy that is only just shy of 100%. I can certainly see why.
