One four-bedroom dwelling at Land Adj. To 48 Wickham Way, Haywards Heath

“Proposal: Erection of a dwelling house on land adj to 48 Wickham Way including solar panels to the roof…”

“Purpose of the Report 1.1 To consider the recommendation of the Interim Assistant Director for Planning and Sustainable Economy on the application for planning permission as detailed above. Executive Summary 2.1 This application seeks planning permission for the development of a new detached two storey, four bedroom dwelling at the land to the north of 48 Wickham Way, Haywards Heath.”

“Therefore, the Town Council wishes to reiterate its comments submitted on 15/12/2025. Without clear documentation and arboricultural evidence, the Council remains concerned about the cumulative impact of housing density, which has been a historic issue for this site. Introduction 7.1 The application seeks planning permission for the development of a two storey, four- bedroom dwelling.”

“The site is located within the built-up area for Haywards Heath as defined in the Mid Sussex District Plan (MSDP). Application Details 10.1 The proposal would develop a new four bedroom dwelling to the north of No.48 and would subdivide the existing plot. The new build property would be afforded its own garden amenity space to the rear (west) as well as front driveway access leading off from the highway edge to the front (east).”

“When undertaking the balancing exercise, the following benefits, harm and neutral impacts are as follows: Benefits • The construction of the development will provide local jobs and employment opportunities, which is a positive economic impact. • Socially, the provision of a new dwelling will bring about positive impacts to the local community.”

“While the proposal partially conflicts with some policies in the development plan, it is not considered that it would lead to any adverse effects that would outweigh the benefits of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Notwithstanding that, while this application is only proposing one dwelling, it would still contribute to the Council's much needed housing supply and make effective use of the land.”

“Local Highway Authority: The LHA does not consider that this proposal would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety or result in ‘severe’ cumulative impacts on the operation of the highway network, therefore is not contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 116), and that there are no transport grounds to resist the proposal. MSDC Flood Risk and Drainage: No objection. Recommends a condition. MSDC Trees Officer: No objection subject to a condition.”

“Naturespace District Licensing: We are satisfied that if this development were to go ahead it would be unlikely to have an impact on great crested newts or their habitats. There are 2 isolated ponds within 250m of the site with the closest being 108m away. The on-site habitat appears to be within the vegetated garden of the adjacent dwelling and unsuitable for great crested newts.”

“Summary of Representations 4.1 A total of 29 letters of representation received in response to various iterations of the scheme, including the submission of further drainage and arboricultural information. All 29 letters sought to either object or raise the following concerns to the proposal: • The existing dwelling at No.48 not being served by any parking which would exacerbate the roadside parking issues in the locality. • The proposal constituting overdevelopment.”

“No Construction Management Plan having been submitted as part of the application. • The proposal potentially resulting in an unacceptable impact with regards to drainage. • The site notice not having been erected in the correct position regarding the land to which it relates. • A connection being required to the main water supply beneath the private road with no services plan having been submitted.”

“The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations in the report. These were approved with 10 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions.”

“Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A.”