Two replacement dwellings at Land at Westlyn (South of Poundfield Road) and Dairylands (North of Poundfield Road), Chalvington

What was proposed

The application sought a replacement dwelling at Westlyn, a new self-build dwelling at Dairylands, and landscaping at both sites.

“Application WD/2026/0588/F Report to: Minors Planning Committee Date: July 2026 Site address: LAND AT WESTLYN (SOUTH OF POUNDFIELD ROAD) AND DAIRYLANDS (NORTH OF POUNDFIELD ROAD), CHALVINGTON BN27 3TQ Proposal: DEMOLITION OF DWELLING AND ERECTION OF REPLACEMENT DWELLING AT WESTLYN. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUSINESS UNIT ON LAND KNOWN AS DAIRYLANDS AND ERECTION OF NEW SELF-BUILD DETACHED DWELLING. BOTH SITES TO INCLUDE LANDSCAPING WORKS.”

“Proposal Full planning permission is sought for demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling at Westlyn and the demolition of existing business unit on land known as Dairylands and erection of new self-build detached dwelling. Both sites to include landscaping works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two sites lie on opposite sides of Poundfield Road in countryside without footways, street lighting or nearby day-to-day services.

“Executive Summary The application site relates to two parcels of land located on opposing sides of Poundfield Road, within the rural parish of Chalvington. The southern part of the site comprises Westlyn, a detached dwelling with associated access, parking and garden. The northern part of the site, known as Dairylands, comprises a field parcel containing a modest single-storey building with a restricted commercial use.”

“Site and Surroundings The application sites straddle opposing sides of Poundfield Road in the parish of Chalvington. The southern side site includes a large detached dwelling known as Westlyn with an existing vehicular access and parking with large rear garden adjacent to North View Cottages.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier combined application was withdrawn, while several permissions relating to Westlyn had expired or remained unimplemented.

“Relevant Planning History WD/2024/2893/F- Demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling at Westlyn. Demolition of existing business unit on land known as Dairylands erection of new detached dwelling. Both sites to include landscaping works - withdrawn 28 May 2025. Following Officer concerns regarding the principle of the development, prior to considering the further planning matters, the application was withdrawn by the applicant.”

“Pre-Application Advice No pre-application advice has been provided prior to the submission of this application following withdrawal, although pre-app advice under PE/2023/0255/E for a similar proposal. Officer support was given for the replacement of Westlyn with a more nuanced view on the new dwelling on Dairylands given the lack of policy support and the sustainability of the location.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the additional dwelling would be unsustainable, car-dependent and harmful to the rural character of the Low Weald.

“Overall, the adverse impacts of the development comprise conflict with the development plan through the provision of a net additional dwelling in an unsustainable countryside location, together with locational harm arising from reliance on the private car and landscape character harm from the proposed dwelling at Dairylands. When assessed against the policies of the NPPF taken as a whole, these adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council supported the proposal, highways had no comment, pollution control sought conditions, and ecological concerns were addressed through a secured licence.

“Covenant should be in place permanently and not just for the life time of the landowners (Officer comment: it is unclear what is being referred to but in any event, such controls lie outside of the scope of this application, only planning conditions or obligations secured through legal agreement, subject to necessary tests outlined in the guidance from central government can be secured). • Replace existing unattractive dwelling with a sustainable dwelling.”

“(Officer comment: Since the comments were received, the applicant has secured a DLL, which can be secured through condition if the development is approved).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The site owner and planning agent spoke in favour, while the local ward member also spoke on the application.

The committee decision

Councillors proposed and seconded refusal, and the committee refused full planning permission in line with the officer recommendation.

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Fairweather, seconded by Councillor Clark to refuse full planning permission in line with officer recommendation.”

“RESOLVED: That Full planning permission be refused in line with officer recommendation.”

Minutes