Agenda item

Steve King, Planning Applications Team Leader introduced the application for a residential development. He drew Members attention to the Agenda Update Sheet as the description of dwellings has been corrected to comprise of 4 x 3 bed semi-detached dwellings and 4 one bed flats and 1 two bedroom flat, with amended plans received on 18 May rather than 18 June.

He noted that it is a back-land site accessed by a single width access road which will be amended as part of the application. The central hedge will be removed making a two-way access road. There are significant changes in level on site and it is currently clear of all buildings and used for external storage on hard standing.

The semi-detached houses are proposed for the rear of the site, with 2 parking spaces per dwelling, with the apartments at the front of the site.  The windows have been amended during review of the application, with the dormer windows reduced in size and the secondary side windows in the block of flats would be obscure glazed to protect neighbouring amenities. He noted that the site is allocated for residential development in the Haywards Heath Neighbourhood Plan. The design is acceptable and fits with other properties that the applicant has built around the site. There will be no impact on neighbouring preserved trees, no objections from the Highways Department and no significant adverse impact to properties that surround the site.

There were no public speakers.

The Chairman noted that it was a good use of a brownfield site and the proposed removal of the hedge on the access road will make it much safer. 

A Member requested that the owner carry out a dilapidation report in order to clarify who is responsible for any damage to resident’s hedges and fences during construction, as the entrance to the site is tight. He also sought clarification on who is responsible to maintain the access road.

Members discussed the access to the site during construction as there is limited parking on adjacent roads and a footpath opposite the site that leads to a school. A banksman was requested as the hours of operation covers school hours, and there was a request for trades vehicles to be parked on site.

The Planning Applications Team Leader confirmed that there will be a construction management plan to control elements such as the hours of work, times of deliveries, and boundary fencing to protect neighbouring properties.  A requirement can be included in the construction management plan to ensure the access road hedge is removed first, allowing trade vehicles better access to turn on site.

Regarding the maintenance of the access road, it is a shared surface that will not be adopted by the Highways Authority, so responsibility will reside with the land owner. The planning conditions require details of the shared surface to ensure it is appropriate. He confirmed that an informative can be added to request a banksman. The Planning Applications Team Leader advised that issues regarding potential damage to neighbouring properties during construction works would be a private matter between the developer and the owners of the neighbouring properties.

In response to a Member’s query the Planning Applications Team Leader confirmed there are 13 parking spaces designated for the new properties on site and that it is the applicant’s intention is to provide electric charging points for the houses and the ground floor flat. With the Committee’s agreement a condition can be added to ensure they are provided as specified. Members approved of this decision.

The Chairman moved to the officer recommendation to approve the application in which was proposed by Councillor Pulfer and seconded by Councillor Sweatman.  A recorded vote was carried out by the Legal Officer and the application was unanimously approved.

Resolved:

A

That planning permission is granted subject to the conditions listed in the appendix and a condition relating to the electric charging points, and the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement to secure the necessary affordable housing and infrastructure provision.

and

B

It is recommended that if the applicants have not submitted a satisfactory signed S106 Legal Agreement/or legal undertaking securing the necessary infrastructure payments by the 17th December 2020, then permission be refused at the discretion of the Divisional Lead for Planning and Economy, for the following reason:

1. The application fails to comply with policy DP20 of the Mid Sussex District Plan in respect of the infrastructure required to serve the development.