Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed the Members to the meeting and read out the fire safety announcement.

The Chairman nominated Councillor Forbes as Vice-Chairman of the District Planning Committee for the 2021/22 Council year.  This nomination was seconded by Councillor Peacock and with no further nominations put forward, this was agreed.

RESOLVED

The Chairman nominated Councillor Forbes as Vice-Chairman of the District Planning Committee for the 2021/22 Council year.  This nomination was seconded by Councillor Peacock and with no further nominations put forward, this was agreed.

The Chairman advised the Members that officers had requested item 8, DM/21/1118 East Lodge Farm, Malthouse Lane, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9LA be deferred.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Hatton and Trumble.

None.

The Minutes of the Committee meeting held on 8 July 2021 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

None.

Steven King, Planning Applications Team Leader introduced the application. He drew Members’ attention to the Agenda Update Sheet noting the amendments to the recommendations, additional works to add an extra footway next to Turners Hill Road and their intention to install fibre to premises and ducting for EV charging points to future proof the estate. 

The Officer advised the application was seeking outline planning permission for expansion of the existing commercial estates and the replacement of the existing dwelling known as Friday Farm Bungalow.  The application would determine the principle of development and access only.  He highlighted three listed buildings adjacent to the site and the public right of way to the southern boundary. The existing buildings and replacement dwelling will use the existing access points and summarised the proposed works to improve the Dukes Head roundabout. 

The Committee were advised the history of the site, including two dismissed appeals which were material planning considerations.  The Team Leader noted the relevant policies: DP12 Protection and Enhancement of the Countryside, DP1 Sustainable Economic Development, DP14, Sustainable Rural Development and the Rural Economy, and the emerging draft policy SA34 in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document which allows for expansion of Existing Commercial Sites. He noted the impact of the development on the setting of the listed buildings which was considered to result in  less than substantial harm.  The public benefits of the application was considered to outweigh this harm.  The Highway Authority had no objections to the application as with the proposed highway improvements there would not be a severe impact on the highway network. The site is adjacent to ancient woodland and the MSDC Ecology Consultant has no objections.

The Chairman read a letter of objection to the application from Mr Douglas Ford.

Cllr Chris Phillips, Ward Member for Copthorne and Worth spoke in objection to the application.  He noted the previous history of the site and questioned why the new application was acceptable. The application was contrary to DP12 and he considered that there was already sufficient commercial employment opportunities in the village.  As the Neighbourhood Plan for Copthorne was progressing it should be given more weight.  The site was unsustainable due to the lack of public transport and provision for cyclists.  He welcomed the improvements to the Dukes Head roundabout but did not think it would ease the heavy congestion on the road network.  He noted the difficulties leaving the site i.e., no turn right and that vehicles regularly contravened the existing road signs.  He urged members to reject the application as the site was not suitable for expansion and would affect the rural nature of the area.

The Chairman reiterated that the Highway Authority had no objections.

Members queried the proposed improvements to the Dukes Head roundabout and increase in traffic movements with the increased commercial floor space, improved provision for cyclists and the proposed timing and lighting temperature which was unfriendly to ecology.

The Members welcomed the expansion of an existing commercial site, the proposed additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

At Officers’ request this item has been deferred.

This item had been deferred at the request of the Officers.

None.