Agenda item

Stuart Malcolm, Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager introduced the report for approval of reserved matters pursuant to condition 1 of DM/18/0509 for the erection of 460 dwellings, including public open space, play areas, associated infrastructure including roads, surface water attenuation and associated demolition.

The officer drew Members’ attention to the Agenda Update sheet and noted the waste officer’s comments.  He confirmed that the site is within the built up area of Burgess Hill and the principle of development and access have already been agreed. The use of the land will conform with the parameter plan for the Northern Arc development. He noted that the site will be near to the eastern neighbourhood centre, local amenities and a primary school.  He highlighted the main spine road, shared cycle and pedestrian route with other links to future developments within the Northern Arc development.  The 2 and 3 storey buildings have been designed with character areas to help the development blend in with the local area and has been approved by the urban designer.  The housing team welcome the development which will provide 138 affordable policy complaint units, units for the over 55 and shared ownership units.  He noted the on-site leisure facilities, neighbourhood equipment area of play and a multi-use games area. 

A Countryside Properties employee spoke in support of the application. He expressed a wish for the development to be a design exemplar for the Northern Arc development. He highlighted the additional 41 shared ownership units in addition to the affordable housing already agreed.  He noted the integration of the development into the surroundings and retention of mature trees and hedgerows.  To aid the provision of sustainable transport electric charging points will be installed in all dwellings with garages or parking places and communal charging points will also be installed.

Cllr Hicks spoke as Ward Member for Burgess Hill – Leylands and supported the application.  He welcomed the development’s design but expressed concern for Bedelands Nature Reserve. He highlighted the concern of local residents with regard to the original site for the relocated playground on Maple Drive, and noted the revised location closer to Maple Drive.  He expressed concern over the current state of Freeks Lane which is an unmade road. He requested that the Construction Management Plan includes the maintenance of Freeks Lane until Right of Way is diverted and the facility for residents of Freeks Lane to contact contractors with their concerns.

The Chairman made reference to the Northern Arc Master Plan, and the approved Northern Arc Design Guide.  He advised that the application to link to the spine road would be considered later on and it will include the bridge to link to rest of the Northern Arc development.  He confirmed the restriction on the number of houses built until spine road access has come forward.

In response to a Member’s question the Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager noted that Freeks Lane was outside the application site.  He confirmed that as part of wider Northern Arc development Freeks Lane will be upgraded to form a section of the Green Circle.

A Member welcomed the design of the development and highlighted that the design of the relocated play area is a major upgrade on the existing amenity.  He noted the request for the consultation on the leaps and neaps to include a wider audience than just the schools.  

The Chairman noted the Design Panel hopes that this development will form the bench mark for future applications in the Northern Arc development.

A Member highlighted the Section 106 Agreement contributions from the developer totaling £10m with £6m set aside for education and £0.75m for sports.

As there were no further questions the Chairman took the Committee to the recommendations and which the Committee approved unanimously.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.