Agenda item

The Planning Application Team Leader introduced the application, which seeks full planning permission for the erection of 8 dwellings at Slaugham Manor, Slaugham Place, Slaugham. The Planning Application Team Leader noted that the plans show that there would be 4 pairs of semidetached dwellings located at the southern end of the site. These houses would be in the same location as 4 houses that were approved under the previous outline and reserved matters consent for 15 dwelling houses on the site. In effect the proposal is to subdivide the 4 plots that have been previously approved to accommodate 8 houses in their place. The proposal would therefore result in a net gain of 4 dwellings on the site compared to the consented scheme. He also noted there is a current application pending determination for an access road, but that that application was separate.

The Planning Application Team Leader explained the elevations of the proposed houses are following the same treatment as the approved plans, utilising a contemporary style, red brick and the same roofing. He noted that the principle is the main issue, the application would be in conflict with Policies DP12, DP21 and DP15 of the District Plan. He explained there would be no impact on adjacent heritage as laid out on p200. The Planning Application Team Leader noted that the site is  isolated, and residents would be reliant on private cars. The Planning Application Team Leader stated that officers believe there was no justification in planning policy to approve the further changes beyond what was previously approved. He noted one other reason for refusal; within the site is a tree of merit, which the proposed dwellings would be closer to than in the previous application.

The Chairman noted that Slaughham Parish Council was against the application as amended.

A Member noted that the site that was approved had previously been discussed at length. He also noted that it would not be a sustainable development with more properties as proposed.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation to refuse, which was moved by Councillor MacNaughton and seconded by Councillor Coote. This was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That planning be permission be refused for the following reasons:

1.         The application site is located within the countryside, outside any defined  built-up area boundary, on a site not allocated for development within the Mid Sussex District Plan or the Slaugham Neighbourhood Plan. The Council is able to demonstrate a 5 year housing land supply and the applicant has failed to demonstrate the proposal is essential to a countryside location. The site is in an unsustainable location, where occupants would be reliant on the use of a private car to gain access to local services. There are considered to be no other material considerations that would warrant determining the planning application otherwise than in accordance with the development plan. The proposal is therefore considered to conflict with policies DP12, DP15 and DP21 of the District Plan and paragraphs 11 and 108 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.         The proposal fails to provide the required infrastructure contributions necessary to serve the development and the required payments towards affordable housing. The proposal therefore conflicts with polices DP20 and DP31 of the District Plan.

3.         The proposal would result in both harm and future pressure to fell a tree that contributes to the visual amenity of the area. The proposal therefore conflicts with policy DP37 of the District Plan.