Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Peacock & Trumble.

Councillor Marsh declared a non-predetermined interest in Item 5: DM/21/1653 - Byanda, Brighton Road, Hassocks, BN6 9LX as he is Mid Sussex District Council’s representative on the South Downs National Park Authority who have objected to the application. He confirmed that comes to the meeting with an open mind to consider the representations of the public, officers and Members of the Committee.

The minutes of the meeting of the committee held on 15 September 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman confirmed he had no urgent business.

Susan Dubberley, Senior Planning Officer, introduced the application which sought planning permission for the demolition of Byanda (a single residential property and ancillary buildings) and the erection of a 60 bedroom residential care facility, with associated access, ground works, car parking, servicing, private amenity space, landscaping and boundary treatment. She drew attention to the Agenda Update Sheet which included an additional condition and correction of typographical errors.

Cllr Berggreen, Hassocks Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application.

Jon Jayal, Local Resident, spoke in objection to the application.

Jon Jayal, spoke on behalf of Sadie Roberts another Local Resident, spoke in objection to the application.

Tina Ainslie, Local Resident, spoke in objection to the application.

Peter Toother, Agent, spoke in support of the application.

Julian Burgess, Applicant, spoke in support of the application.

A Member enquired whether there are lifts within the building for the purposes of evacuating people in cases of fire.

The Senior Planning Officer replied that there are lifts within the building and pointed that people would not be able to use lifts in cases of fire. In any event this would be a matter for Building Regulations.

The Chairman highlighted the main aspects of the application. He also confirmed that the Urban Designer is happy that the application sits well within the site.

A Member questioned whether the Design and Review Panel visited the site due to its unique topographical change in levels.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that the Design and Review Panel does not visit sites however the Urban Designer has and is content that his concerns and those of the DRP have been addressed.

A number of Members felt concerned that the site was too big and overbearing.

The Senior Planning Officer outlined the site and the extant permission.

A Member believed the application before the Committee is worse than extant permission of four buildings given the spread of the buildings across the site compared to the one big building. He noted similar applications for C2 use that are not even comparable in terms of size.

A Member complimented the design but agreed the size is considerable given the location. He expressed concern over the impact of privacy and sought clarification on the distance between the western side of the proposed building and properties to the west.

The Senior Planning Officer referenced P.32 of the Report and clarified that the distance is 24m.

A Member stated that the development would certainly draw eyes of walkers on the South Downs.

A Member felt content about the access as long as it complies with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Highways and noted that rights of access are a legal matter for  the neighbours to negotiate.

The Chairman highlighted that the access will be widened in addition to a footpath being built and confirmed it will still enable a bin lorry and a car to pass. He also stated that the applicant has access rights to the plot.

A Member accepted the application before the Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Chairman confirmed that no questions were received.