Wealden District Council
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Council Land And Property

Wealden District Council own and manage a variety of land and property assets, however, for details on council housing itself,  please view our Housing strategies, policies and plans page.

The Corporate Assets Team

  • Are part of the Commercial and Assets Department
  • The Corporate Assets Team is a small team of specialists who manage a wide variety of non-housing properties and landholdings on behalf of Wealden District Council.
  • The Team is headed by the Asset Team Leader.
  • Land and lease issues are dealt with by our Estates Management Officer and Estates Management Assistant.
  •  Online Council land ownership enquiry 

Building repairs, maintenance and renewals are dealt with by our Property Surveyors. They can be contacted via email corporate.assets@wealden.gov.uk

The portfolio of landholdings is extensive, ranging from small parcels of amenity land to Commons and the Cuckoo Trail. Properties ranging from shops and Industrial units, to historic monuments and Leisure Centres. Details of our main assets are listed below, together with contact details to obtain further information or to report any concerns.

None of the Council’s garden plots are statutory allotments, however a number of the Town and Parish Councils do have such allotments. Please contact your Town and Parish Council to enquire on availability.
Argos Hill windmill is a Grade 2* listed building dating from 1835. It is located on top of Argos Hill, near Mayfield, Sussex, and is one of only 50 post mills remaining in England. The windmill is currently being refurbished by the Friends of Argos Hill Windmill, to date the main external areas including the sails are complete. Works are ongoing to complete the fantail and internal machinery. The mill hold open days throughout the year to raise funds for these works as well as relying on Volunteers. If you are interested in their activities or becoming part of their group please contact them using the form at Argos Hill Windmill website .

The Council supports an Art Gallery at 70 High Street, Hailsham.
For more information or if you are interested in becoming involved visit Friends of Gallery North, visit their website.

WDC are responsible for the steps to the beach and a section of the shoreline. The car park, café, hotel and land at the top of the cliff has been owned by the National Trust since 2010. The access bridge and steps to the beach were relocated in 2017 following cliff erosion. For further details, opening times and charges see National Trust Birling Gap

We have responsibility for the maintenance of car parks, lining and lighting of Council owned car parks.
For locations of car parks, charges or for parking issues and further information view our Car Park information web page.

The Civic Community Hall in Hailsham provides an attractive, up-to-date venue at affordable prices for community events, children’s parties and gatherings of up to 150 to 180 people depending on the event.

A stage area and kitchen facilities are available as well as ample free parking. A varied range of seating configurations can be provided as can drop-down projection screens (projectors currently not available), audio and lighting.

The Civic Community Hall is also used by Wealden District Council for Civic meetings at certain periods during the day time.


Find out how to book the Civic Community Hall Hailsham

We are responsible for a number of Churchyards through the District. These are Closed Churchyards where there will be no further burials. Our obligation is to maintain boundary walls, fences (not gates), trees and grounds. To report any problems with walls, fences or trees please email us estatesinfo@wealden.gov.uk. For all other issues please contact the Churches, who still own the sites.
  • St Andrews, Alfriston
  • St Marks, Hadlow Down
  • St Mary’s, Hailsham
  • St Peter and St Paul, Hellingly
  • St Bartholomews, Maresfield
  • St Deny’s, Rotherfield
  • St Mary’s, Willingdon
  • St Mary’s, Westham
  • All Saints, Crowborough
  • All Saints, Waldron
The Council have made the following decisions regarding land within their ownership or control Land is not to be used for:
  • Funfairs, shows or circuses
  • Political purposes including posters in support of any political party
  • The Council does not own any land suitable for metal detecting and has a general policy restricting the use of its land for this purpose.
  • Metal detecting
  • Flying drones unless by or on behalf of the Council to manage their sites effectively
  • Hunting or similar sports
In 2003/4 the Council passed a policy preventing any Council land being used to grow Genetically Modified Crops. Charges shall be made in accordance with the Council’s Fees and Charges Book.
Since 1990, the Cuckoo Trail has been a leisure route used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It passes through some beautiful countryside and is extremely popular with some 250,000 visitors annually. Find out more about The Cuckoo Trail

This is a semi-ancient woodland immediately off Wannock Road to the north of Polegate. It is primarily used by local people for dog walking.
For further details contact estatesinfo@wealden.gov.uk

Wealden District Council have a number of garden plots available, these are for gardening only and sheds, greenhouses, etc are not allowed on them.
Sites are available at

  • East Hoathly
  • Fletching
  • Framfield
  • Hailsham
  • Jevington
  • Maresfield
  • Ninfield
  • Polegate
  • Rotherfield
  • Uckfield
  • Wadhurst
  • Willingdon
  • Withyham

Charges are made based upon the size of the plot and priority in letting them is given to our housing tenants. To check availability or go on our waiting list email estatesinfo@wealden.gov.uk

Horsted Green Park is a 74 acre open space just off the A22 near Uckfield. Its purpose is to provide a pleasant, accessible space for locals to use mitigating the effects of people travelling to and using Ashdown Forest.

It is accessible from housing east of the A22 via a subway below the road, also there is a car park off Horsted Pond Lane. The site has a mixture of surfaced and seasonal grass paths with signposted walks from 1 – 3 km. The site is accessible to walkers as well as those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. View further details about Horsted Green Park.

The memorial is to Jack Cade who gave his name to the rebellion of 1450, leading an army of insurgents to London, seizing the Tower of London and beheading the Treasurer, Lord Saye. The roadside monument stands just north of the Battle road.

There are 3 Leisure Centres in the area which are run by Freedom Leisure. They are located in:-

  • Crowborough
  • Hailsham
  • Uckfield

The Leisure Centres cater for a wide range of activities for all ages, facilities range from site to site but include gyms, swimming pools, soft play, bowling, and more.
View details of activities available, opening times and costs of the Leisure Centres in Wealden.

These are an important part of the grieving process for many, also to remind them of their loved ones and favourite places.
They add character and a personal insight into the site and its users.
There are however examples of beauty spots that have been overrun by plaques in particular so a considered and considerate policy is required and must be applied fairly.

View further details relating to memorials at Wealden Crematorium for all other land and property further information can be found in our Memorial Plaques and Benches document.

There are numerous memorial stones in the District, it is impossible to list all of them here however the following sites may be able to provide details

Pavilion Cinema photo Hailsham Pavilion is a fully independent Cinema, Live Music Venue and Theatre that combines a fully restored interior featuring high quality decor associated with the Golden Age; of cinema and theatre entertainment, with a programme and facilities which are right up to date.
For further details visit their website The Hailsham Pavilion or call their booking office on 01323 841414.

WDC have retained a limited number of Public Toilets in busy tourist locations. These are free to use, some have disabled, male/female/unisex toilets and baby changing facilities. They are open 8am to 6pm daily. They are located at:

  • Pevensey Castle adjacent to the Car Park and Tea Room
  • Pevensey Bay adjacent to Sea Road Car Park
  • Pevensey Bay accessible changing places toilet in Sea Road Car Park
  • The Denes, Alfriston, in the Car Park (Accessible toilets)
  • The Willows, Alfriston, in the Car Park

In 2018 the Council acquired the main shopping centre in Hailsham to provide certainty to the tenants at a time when town centres were struggling. In addition it has allowed the Council to progress its intention to redevelop the Town Centre.

The Shopping Centre has Waitrose as a signature store with a mixture of National Brands e.g. WH Smith as well as a number of independent businesses.

The Site has a Facebook page for current details and offers.

Is a 70 acre park off the Alderbrook Estate in Crowborough. At present it is access off adjoining public footpaths and a temporary car park in Alderbrook Way.

Its purpose is to provide a pleasant, accessible space for locals to use mitigating the effects of people travelling to and using Ashdown Forest. It has far reaching views in all directions and even to the South Downs many miles distant.

The site has a mixture of surfaced and seasonal grass paths with signposted walks from 1 – 3 km. The site is accessible to walkers as well as those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Find out more about Walshes Park.

These are Registered Commons and woodland off are across the A27 at the foot of the Long Man and form a good starting point for a walk onto the Sussex Downs or inland towards Arlington Reservoir and Abbots Wood.

A Management Plan is in place to protect and enhance these commons for future generations. This is overseen by a Management Committee with those having a direct interest in the land, including Commoners, Parish Council, adjoining land owners and conservation bodies who work together to enhance this important habitat.
For further details email estatesinfo@wealden.gov.uk

In 2019 the Council opened its crematorium in Horam, access is off the A267. This is the only crematorium within Wealden District Council.

It provides a modern crematorium set within 20 acres of farm and woodland to provide a pleasant environment through a challenging time.

Further details can be found on the Wealden Crematorium website.