Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Eves and Avery.

No declarations were received.

The minutes of the meetings of the committee held on 24 May and 1 June 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman confirmed he had no urgent business.

Joanne Fisher, Senior Planning Officer set out the outline application for the redevelopment of an existing single dwelling house and erection of a Care Home for up to 85 Bedrooms, with all matters reserved except for access.  She highlighted that the location is within the built-up area as defined in the District Plan and East Grinstead Neighbourhood Plan. The Care Home would provide specialist accommodation for the elderly and is a recognised need.  The PPG states it is now critical to provide such accommodation; SA39 of the Site Allocations DPD  supports the development so the principle is considered acceptable.  The existing vehicular access which supports neighbouring properties would only be used for pedestrians to access the Care Home and those existing dwellings. The proposed vehicular access and visibility displays were outlined, and that the Highway Authority had no objections. A tree planting plan will mitigate the loss of trees on a one-to-one basis and the Council’s Tree Officer raises no objection to the removal of existing trees and their replacement. She drew the Member’s attention to the agenda update sheet noting the amended conditions, 22 and 25, and the proposed Section 106 agreement.

The Chairman confirmed that the Committee were only considering the principle of the development of the care home and vehicular access as the application was for outline planning permission only.

Graham Bostock, spoke in objection to the application.

Brian Gains, spoke in objection to the application.

The Chairman highlighted that Highways had not made any objections to the application.

Cllr Whittaker, East Grinstead Ward Member for Imberhorne noted the comments of East Grinstead Town Council, normally more cars would park on the road, and asked for confirmation  that highway safety concerns had been addressed.

Cllr Sweatman, East Grinstead Ward Member for Herontye expressed  concern over the removal of trees and the resulting impact on the street scene. He noted the proposed signage for the existing access to prevent Care Home visitors using that access, confirmed other statutory consultees had no objections, and advised the application should be approved.

The Chairman advised the Committee were only considering the principle of development and the access.

Members discussed the parking on the highway, expressed concerns over the safety of the proposed access and speeding traffic.

In response to Members’ questions the Senior Planning Officer confirmed the access to West Lane was not at 90 degrees like the proposed access to the Care Home.  She noted the Member’s concerns regarding the road safety audit; the Highways Authority had signed off the road safety audit and this audit included their comments on the relationship of the new access and the existing parking bays on West Hill.  The Highways Authority raised no concerns on the turning movements, the location of the parking bays or the visibility splays, which were acceptable. Signage for the existing access are set out in condition 22.  The Tree Officer supported the removal of the trees which were of poor quality and the replacements would be in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Chairman confirmed that no questions were received.