Agenda item

Andy Watt, Senior Planning Officer introduced the application for the demolition of 25 Bolnore Road and garage to 23 Bolnore Road and the erection of a 67 bedroom residential care facility with associated access works, car parking, servicing, private amenity space, landscaping and boundary treatment. He also drew Members attention to the amendments and conditions noted in the Agenda Update Sheet.

He took Members through the access arrangements and location of the proposed building within the site and noted that the Norway Maple Tree will be retained as part of the application. He also noted the planning history as the site benefits from permission for 15 sheltered dwellings and therefore the principle of the demolition of Number 25 Bolnore Road and 2 garages has already been established and could be implemented. 

The new application amends the proposed layout and landscaping following consultation with the Urban Designer. It is now proposed to be a single block of 4 stories with set back entrance with landscaping retained to the front. There will be 20 parking spaces plus an ambulance bay residents’ gardens to the side and front and an orchard with managed access as well as a staff break out area. The application is also for a change of use from C3 to C2 and therefore no affordable housing requirement applies.

Zeb Nash-Henry provide a written statement in opposition to the application to be read in his absence and Lulu Kaynes also spoke against the application.

Damien Wood developer spoke in support of the application.

Councillor de Mierre spoke as Ward Member for the application noting concerns about overdevelopment of the site and that it is out of character with the area which may impact negatively on neighbouring properties. She noted that the road was protected when access to Bolnore Village Phase 4 was planned and raised concern over the future of 23 Bolnore Road as to whether it would be possible to sell as a private residence with the proposed car parking right up to the rear of the property.

A Member noted the significant number of care homes already within Haywards Heath but it was also noted that the market suggests a number of elderly residents looking to downsize into suitable application, therefore making family houses available. Discussion was held around the construction management plan to ensure all contractor vehicles are parked on site following demolition, that dust suppression takes place during demolition and that there is wheel washing apparatus on site. It was also confirmed that electric charging points will be available on site.  The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that wheel washing is included in the current construction management plan conditions as recommended by the Highways Authority and with Members in agreement the dust suppression will be added to this condition as well.

The Chairman took Members to a recorded vote on the item. This was proposed by Councillor Coote and seconded by Councillor Pulfer and agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to the following recommendations and amendments contained in the Agenda Update Sheet:

Recommendation A

That subject to the completion of a satisfactory S106 Legal Agreement and/or legal undertaking to secure the required level of infrastructure contributions, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.

Recommendation B

If by 15 October 2021, the applicants have not submitted a satisfactory signed S106 Legal Agreement and/or legal undertaking securing the necessary financial contributions, then it is recommended that planning permission be refused at the discretion of the Divisional Leader for Planning and Economy for the following reason(s):

'The application fails to comply with Policy DP20 of the Mid Sussex District Plan and paragraphs 54 and 56 of the National Planning Policy Framework in respect of the infrastructure required to serve the development.'