Local Councillors Express Serious Concerns Over Delay to Bedelands Academy Plans

Local Liberal Democrat West Sussex County Councillors have formally expressed their deep concern over the recent decision to delay the construction of the new Bedelands Academy secondary school in Burgess Hill by up to two years.

The decision, announced by Cllr Russell, Conservative Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, on Friday 8th August, marks a significant setback in a project that local representatives say is critical for the residents of Burgess Hill and the wider Mid Sussex area.

In a letter addressed to Cllr Russell, Cllrs Erika Woodhurst-Trueman (Hassocks and Burgess Hill South), Jane Davey (Burgess Hill North), and Richard Cherry (Burgess Hill East) and other co-signatories state:

“While we support the need for financial responsibility and value for money, we disagree with the decision to pause the Bedelands Academy project.”

The Councillors argue that a two-year pause effectively translates to a real-terms delay of five years or more, given the time required for design and construction. This delay, they warn, will coincide with the planned transition to a new unitary authority in May 2028—raising further risks of project disruption or abandonment.

They also highlight the lack of public scrutiny and consultation in the lead-up to the announcement, despite the significant impact on local communities and the direct involvement of three County Divisions.

“There has been no public scrutiny of this decision. We are disappointed not to have been brought into discussions, despite the impact on our divisions and constituents.”

Citing discrepancies between West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and Mid Sussex District Council data on secondary school place needs, the Councillors are requesting a transparent explanation of how projections have been made and what alternative options are being considered.

Their letter calls on WSCC to release:

• A five-year forecast for secondary, sixth form, and SEND school place needs.
• Methodology and data sources for demand appraisal and options review.
• Full breakdown of project spending to date and remaining funds.
• Details on planning permissions, s106 funding, and expiry timelines.
• Clarification on how local government reorganisation might affect land agreements.
• Confirmation that additional funding will be available as costs rise due to delay.

They also propose revisiting the scope of the project, suggesting that a smaller school with scaled-back design could still meet local needs while controlling costs.

“We believe a smaller form entry and revised design could make this project viable, serve local needs, and avoid unnecessary escalation of costs and delays.”

Finally, the Councillors urge WSCC to include local representatives in all future discussions with stakeholders, including schools, Homes England, Mid Sussex District Council, and the Department for Education.

“As local members, we wish to be involved in these discussions moving forward. Burgess Hill residents have been promised investment and infrastructure and will feel very let down. We want to work with WSCC to ensure that these kinds of important decisions serve our residents and their interests and give them certainty.”

The councillors have requested a formal response and regular updates as the review progresses.