Agenda item

Louise Yandell, Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager, introduced the application which sought to amend conditions 5, 6, 7, 11, 22 and 35 and remove conditions 50 and 51 from the previously approved application DM/18/5114. She outlined that the area of land that houses Bodle Brothers has been sold to the business and the houses planned for the site will not be accommodated elsewhere in the District.

Nicholas Milnrer, Planning Lead at Homes England, spoke in favour of the application.

The Chairman noted the concern amongst Members in respect of the 65m drainage pipe however stated that water must flow to its natural nearest course to minimise the ecological impact.

A Member referred to P.73  regarding the sale of Bodle Brothers back to the business and asked whether there was any other reason to justify the sale.

The Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager replied that there was no other reason to sell it aside from them wanting to retain the land.

Tom Clark, Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Services, explained that Bodle Brothers had an arrangement with Homes England and have since renegotiated.

The Member then asked how the local choice will be exercised.

The Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager explained that Conditions 50 & 51 secure the public art delivery with expected consultations of local groups and Town Council to inform the delivery strategy.

The Member noted the woodland buffer and sought clarification as to how compensatory measure of 30 was decided.

The Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager confirmed that the measurement was a recommendation from the Council’s ecology consultants.

The Member referred to P.102 and the ICT contributions and sought assurances that the provision of the infrastructure will be delivered in the best way possible.

The Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager outlined that Homes England and West Sussex County Council decided it would be better for either the County Council or the Academy to deliver the computer systems as a result of the financial contributions.

A Member stressed the importance of the green circle featured in the development and felt happy the circle goes through the buffer zone.

A Member asked whether the loss of woodland would be gained back through open land. He also sought clarification on the Public Transport Strategy.

The Northern Arc Strategic Development Delivery Manager explained that the pipe will run through the trees and landscape therefore will need to be replaced with trees and planting in the new area. She clarified that previously Homes England were providing the Public Transport Strategy however this will now be provided by West Sussex County Council given that they are the public highway authority.

A Member expressed regret that there is any interference with ancient woodland and the loss of the gold course. She underscored the need for cycle storage at Burgess Hill Train Station to realise the benefits of creating the cycle paths across the town.

A Member complimented the work of the officers and proposed to move to the recommendation to approve the application.

The Chairman noted that no Member wished to speak so moved to the recommendation to approve the application which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That, subject to the completion of a satisfactory S106 planning obligation securing the necessary infrastructure and affordable housing, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.