CPRE Sussex was particularly concerned regarding the landscape and ecological impact of the Downlands site, which lies on the north west of Uckfield and separates it from the A22 Uckfield by-pass. Roger Smith submitted evidence against it on CPRE's behalf. The much smaller Bird in Eye sites lie to the east of Uckfield, and are of significant interest to some CPRE members, although CPRE as an organisation did not object to them.

Of as much interest as the decision is the reasons for them, which differ for the sites.

The applications were of particular concern in the absence of a proper up to date Wealden District Council local plan, the non-statutory plan being given "some weight" by the Secretary of State.

At Downlands Farm, the Secretary of State considered that landscape impact was "a major planning objection sufficient on its own to justify refusal of planning permission" and that "she agrees with the Inspector that no amount of tree screening or high quality design would compensate ". However, at the two Bird in Eye sites landscape impact was not considered to be as significant, and they were felt to be "natural or logical extensions".

On ecology issues, at Downlands the Secretary of State considered development "had the potential to be quite damaging" and the "overall balance of benefit against harm does not weigh in favour of the proposal". At Bird in Eye, there were no ecological reasons for refusal. In all three cases, there were drawbacks regarding traffic impact, those at Downlands having overriding unacceptability.

While the developers claimed the need for housing in the vicinity, this argument was not supported and the Secretary of State took the view that the sites were in conflict with the development plan and accordingly all three were refused.

The developers have six weeks before the decisions become final during which they could undertake a legal challenge in the High Court on procedural grounds.