Agenda and minutes

None.

In relation to Item 5. DM/22/2576 – Millwood, East Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4QQ, the Chairman declared a registrable interest as he is a Member of Turners Hill Parish Council.

In relation to item 5. DM/22/2576 – Millwood, East Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4QQ, Councillor Forbes declared a registrable interest as he is a Member of Turners Hill Parish Council.

In relation to item 5. DM/22/2576 – Millwood, East Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4QQ, Councillor Webb declared a registrable interest as he is a District Ward Member of Turners Hill Parish Council.

In relation to item 5. DM/22/2576 – Millwood, East Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4QQ, the Vice Chairman declared a registrable interest as he is a District Ward Member of Turners Hill Parish Council.

The minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 08 December 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

The Chairman had no urgent business.

Hamish Evans, Planning Officer introduced the report which sought planning permission for the change of use of the land for the provision of secure dog walking facilities, new dog grooming parlour, new access, car parking area and internal vehicular access route. He drew Members attention to the details contained in the Agenda Update sheet, including a summary of representations and the additional condition of a maximum of 12 dogs using the facilities at one time. The Planning Officer outlined the issues which were set out in the report and advised that officers considered that the effect on the   landscape was acceptable, that the impact on neighbours amenities would be acceptable and that there was not a highway safety reason to resist the application.

Gareth Williams spoke against the application.

Richard Collins spoke for the application.

The Chairman asked for clarification on the status of the Neighbourhood Plan. Steve King, Planning Team Leader confirmed as set out in the report, that the Neighbourhood Plan was adopted prior to the current version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). He explained that if a Neighbourhood Plan pre -dated the NPPF and contained policies that conflicted with the NPPF, reduced weight would be afforded to the Neighbourhood Plan policies He explained that in this case however, there were no policies in the Neighbourhood Plan that were relevant to the determination of this application which were in conflict with the NPPF. As such full weight could be afforded to the Neighbourhood Plan.

Members discussed the application in detail, specifically the use of the land and the proposed hours of business. A Member asked if the land would still be used by the   Police for the training/walking of their dogs, the Planning Officer confirmed this would be the decision of the applicant. In response to a query regarding over night stays, the Planning Officer confirmed this was not included in the application and this was not an application for kennels.

A Member raised concerns regarding the sustainability of the business model, the impact on the fields, specifically dog waste, the impact on the High Weald AONB and installing adequate fencing to deter deer. The Planning Officer reminded Members their duty was to consider the planning application not the financial sustainability of the business. He confirmed as part of the conditions, appropriate dog bin facilities could be installed, and the site falls outside of the High Weald AONB.

The Chairman asked officers to clarify if the application includes dog training, the Planning Officer confirmed dog training would be permissible as part the application. In response to a Member query, Paula Slinn, Legal Officer advised that although the Police has previously used the land for dog training, a change of application was required as this previous use was infrequent and didn’t amount to a change of use of the land.

A Member raised concerns regarding highways matters and that Parish Councillors should be more involved in the process on the assessment of the roads as they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Chairman noted the application was before the Committee as the land is owned by Mid Sussex District Council and is fully supported by Hassocks Parish Council.

Councillor Sweatman proposed to move the recommendation, this was seconded by the Vice Chairman, Councillor Coote.

The Chairman took Members to the vote on the recommendation, this was agreed unanimously with 12 in favour.

RESOLVED

The planning permission was approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A

The Chairman introduced the report and noted the application was before the Committee as the applicant is a member of staff and involved in the planning process. No representations had been received as part of the planning application. The Chairman asked the Committee for a proposer and a seconder. Councillor Sweatman proposed to move the recommendation, and this was seconded by Councillor Eggleston.

The Chairman took Members to the vote on the recommendation, this was agreed unanimously with 12 in favour.

RESOLVED

The planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.

Andrew Horrell, Planning Officer, introduced the report which sought planning permission to increase the width of the hard standing surface (Driveway) along the side of the existing building and increase the width further at the entrance. The Chairman noted the application was before the Committee as the building is on land owned by the District Council and a presentation would be put forward to Members.

Mrs Ford, local resident, spoke against the application.

The Chairman asked officers to clarify whether vehicle movement would increase to the site, or whether the application was to improve access and manoeuvring to existing vehicles only. Both the Planning Officer and the Planning Team Leader confirmed the proposed alterations were for existing vehicle access only and would not lead to increased traffic accessing the site and therefore noise. The Planning Team Leader emphasised that any issues of this nature would be investigated by the appropriate Environmental Health team.

Members discussed the application and the Environmental Health issues related to the site and that although Environmental Health issues were not for consideration by the Committee, such reports must be dealt with appropriately, a number of Members agreed. The Planning Team Leader confirmed this and the case in question was being investigated by Environmental Health. They asked for clarity on the specific area being reconfigured. The Planning Officer confirmed the application was relating to the existing site, it was not proposing an extension or additional use of space.

As there were no further questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation, this was proposed by the Vice Chairman, Councillor Coote and seconded by Councillor Cartwright and agreed unanimously with 12 in favour.

RESOLVED

The planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.

None.