Self-build dwelling and garage at Stone Quarry Road, Chelwood Common, Danehill

What was proposed

The application proposed one two-bedroom self-build dwelling with a detached garage, using an existing field access and including solar panels.

“Proposal This application seeks planning permission for the erection of a two-bedroom, self- build dwellinghouse with a detached garage. Vehicular access would be achieved via the existing field gate off Stone Quarry Road, which would open up into a parking area. The proposed dwelling would be built using vertical timber cladding under a plain clay tiled roof.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was undeveloped agricultural land beside Stone Quarry Road, within the High Weald National Landscape and outside a defined development boundary.

“Site and Surroundings The application site concerns a parcel of undeveloped land located on the north- western side of Stone Quarry Road, Chelwood Common. Stone Quarry Road is characterised by linear development with sporadic and undeveloped gaps present on both sides.”

“Beyond this is woodland that forms the rising opposite slope of the valley. Site Constraints The application site is subject to the following constraints: • Outside any defined development boundary • Within 7km zone of influence of the Ashdown Forest SPA and SAC • Within High Weald National Landscape (HWNL) • Public right of way (PRoW) – along north-eastern boundary • Flood Zone 1 • Sewer pipeline • Great crested newts (GCN) – green zone…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and advice

Three-dwelling applications were refused in the 1950s and 1960s, while 2024 pre-application advice raised sustainability and landscape concerns.

“Relevant Planning History It is noted the site has been previously refused planning permission twice for the erection of three dwellings. However, these are historic applications dating to the 1950s and 1960s, such that they were assessed under a materially different planning policy background. Accordingly, they attract little weight in this instance. Pre-Application Advice The Applicant engaged in pre-application advice in October 2024.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and the occupier or applicant spoke in favour, while a neighbour spoke against the application.

The committee’s debate

A motion to refuse contrary to the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded but was not put to a vote.

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Glynn White, seconded by Councillor Gadd to approve Full planning permission, in line with officer recommendation.”

“A motion to refuse contrary to officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor Everitt and seconded by Councillor Howell. The motion was not brought to a vote.”

Minutes

The vote

Approval was moved and seconded, and the Chair used the casting vote when permission was granted.

“RESOLVED: That Full planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report, with the addition of a sustainability condition (specifically mentioning the management of grey water). The Chair had the casting vote.”

Minutes