Heathfield Antiques Store to be Replaced by New Flats and Shop After Appeal

Plans to demolish a former antiques store in Heathfield High Street and replace it with a mixed-use development have been given the go-ahead on appeal.

A planning inspector has overturned Wealden District Council’s earlier refusal, approving proposals to knock down 81 High Street and build a three-storey property with a ground-floor retail unit and four flats above.

The scheme, put forward by the Vivian Brown Discretional Settlement Trust, was originally rejected in August 2024. At the time, council officers said the building would look out of place and have an “overbearing impact” on a neighbouring property.

However, the inspector ruled that while the project would cause some harm to nearby living conditions, this was outweighed by the benefits. 

These included providing much-needed housing in an area falling short of its targets, as well as boosting the town centre with a larger retail space and increased footfall.

In their decision, the inspector wrote:

“The proposal would provide an enlarged retail unit on the ground floor and maintain an active shopfront within a primary shopping area. 

"Together with four additional homes, this would provide a valuable boost to the viability and vitality of Heathfield.”

The development has now been granted permission subject to conditions.

Full details can be found on the Wealden District Council website under application reference WD/2024/1122/F.