Community farm and sauna at Riverside Equestrian Centre, Lancing

What was proposed

The application sought five-year temporary permission for community food growing, a mobile sauna and associated parking.

“Proposal: Change of use of part of former Riverside Equestrian Centre to community food growing, mobile sauna and associated carparking (temporary consent for 5 years)”

“The application comprises two uses: a mobile community sauna and a community food growing and horticulture area.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The former riding school lies outside the built-up area, in the countryside, and is owned by the district council.

“The application relates to land previously used in connection with a riding school known as Riverside Equestrian Centre. The site is located off Old Salts Farm Road and outside the built up area boundary. It is owned by Adur District Council.”

Officer report

Earlier use of the site

The site was previously used in connection with a riding school, with earlier permissions for riding school use.

“L/196/80 - Change of use to riding school.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the uses appropriate, with low visual and residential impacts, acceptable highways effects and no flood-risk concerns.

“The site will see an increase in activity but the proposed uses are considered to be low key and the application documents describe any class activities as being carried out in small groups. Noise and disturbance to local residents is not therefore expected to be particularly intrusive.”

“The proposal is therefore not considered to raise any flood risk concerns or to increase the risk elsewhere. However, the comments of the Environment Agency and the Council’s drainage consultant were still awaited at the time of writing the report and their comments will be reported at the meeting.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, environmental health had no comments, the parish council supported the application and later drainage responses raised no objection.

“West Sussex County Council: No objection from a transport/highways aspect.”

“Adur & Worthing Councils: The Environmental Health officer has no comments…”

Officer report

Support from the community

A community garden representative supported the project because it could help build a local network and benefit residents in financial need.

“Having worked with the leader of this project for the last couple of years in relation to community gardens, I have been greatly impressed by the dedication of the applicants to making a genuine and significant contribution to the Lancing community. ● Our intention is, over time, to build a local network of community gardens and similar and to mutually support one another to the benefit of Lancing…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent for the applicant explained the sauna’s purpose, operation, removability, capacity, staffing and heating arrangements.

The final decision

The committee approved five-year temporary consent, with daily hours of 8am to 9pm and a condition requiring prior approval of external lighting details.

“Approved Plans 2. 5 year temporary use 3. Hours of use 8am-9pm every day 4. Details of external lighting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to its installation and any lighting shall thereafter be installed in accordance with the approved details…”

Minutes