The proposals would bring new retail, commercial and employment floor space alongside the new David Lloyd leisure proposals.
The proposals would include upgraded access from the A22, pedestrian linkages to Maresfield and the business park and extensive landscaping. It will include a new discount foodstore, (Aldi has been named,) new non-food retail unit and garden centre, an electric vehicle charging hub and two drive-through cafe-restaurant units.
There would be future employment space within the site. Developers say key benefits include significant investment into Maresfield and the wider area, the creation of 360-550 new jobs for local people and more shopping choice and convenience for local residents.
They add the council's latest retail study confirms substantial existing 'expenditure leakage' from Wealden and say this will assist in clawing back expenditure.
People are invited to have their say about the scheme. They can do so via: https://www.peacockandsmith.uk/our_consultations/oakwoodpark-maresfield/
Representatives of the developers are presenting more details at a meeting on September 14 at Fairwarp Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. There will also be a consultation event at Maresfield Village Hall, Batts Bridge Road on Friday, September 18 (4-7pm) and Saturday, September 19 (9am-noon.)
Pressure group Sabreowl which opposes both housing development at Owlsbury and the Ashdown Business Park, also objects to the scheme at Oakwood Park. The group gives a sample letter of objection based on the scale, location and cumulative impacts of all proposals which are considered to be contrary to the principles of sustainable development.