January 29th, 2025.



James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, has called on the Government to address failing infrastructure before allowing further large-scale housing developments. He warned that communities already struggling with overstretched services cannot cope with more homes without urgent investment in roads, healthcare, and schools.

In a question to the Minister for Local Government, He raised the example of Ringmer, which has seen significant housing growth but a lack of detail in the plan to expand local infrastructure and public services.

James has raised a number of public service and infrastructure issues, which need addressing to support new housing:
Roads, GP surgeries, and schools are at breaking point, and further development without investment will only deepen the crisis. He has raised Newhaven’s traffic crisis, Seaford’s shortage of GP facilities, limited school capacity and lack of access to NHS dentists.

James has said local voices must be heard, with communities given real influence over planning decisions to ensure infrastructure is prioritised.

James said: "Sussex communities are being asked to take on more housing, but there’s no plan to fix the infrastructure problems we already face. In places like Polegate and Newhaven, thousands of new homes have been approved, but traffic is worse, GP appointments are scarce, and schools are overwhelmed.

"I recently raised Ringmer directly with the Housing Minister because residents are concerned about developments with no clear plan for local transport or school capacity. The Government can’t keep forcing more homes on areas like this without addressing infrastructure first.

"I'm also pushing for more healthcare services, including a new facility for Polegate and Willingdon and more GP spaces in Seaford. We need real investment in infrastructure, not just empty promises."

"Locally, Lewes District Council is consulting on its new Local Plan, and I encourage residents to take part and make sure infrastructure concerns are heard.”

Residents can contribute to the Lewes Local Plan consultation HERE.