Two detached dwellings at Crosswinds, Hampers Lane, Storrington

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing bungalow and building two detached two-storey four-bedroom homes with garages, access, parking and landscaping.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of the existing bungalow on the site and the erection of two detached two-storey dwellings, each providing four bedrooms, together with detached garages, associated access, parking, landscaping and ancillary works. The proposed dwellings are arranged within the site to respond to its sloping topography, existing tree cover and neighbouring residential properties.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a long-vacant, overgrown residential plot on a sloping, semi-rural setting with mature trees, hedges and an unmade shared access track.

“The application site comprises Crosswinds, a detached three-bedroom chalet bungalow set within a generous plot of approximately 0.33 hectares, located at the end of a narrow- unmade track accessed from Hampers Lane, Storrington. The access track is shared with a small number of neighbouring residential properties, which lie on lower ground to the south and west of the site. The applicant has legal rights of access over the track.”

“The existing dwelling, constructed approximately 55 years ago, is in a derelict condition and is accompanied by a number of small ancillary outbuildings and a disused swimming pool. The site has remained largely unused for a prolonged period and is heavily overgrown, with dense vegetation across much of the plot.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier two-dwelling outline permission was allowed on appeal, while later applications for three dwellings were refused for overdevelopment and harm to Heath Common’s character.

“DC/16/1664 Outline application with all matters reserved for the demolition of existing dwelling and construction of two detached 5 bedroom dwellings and associated garaging Application Refused on 18.01.2017 Appeal Allowed…”

“The proposed development would represent an overdevelopment of the site which would cause harm to the special character and appearance of the Heath Common area. The proposal would be contrary to policies 25, 32 and 33 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015), Policy 14 of the Storrington, Sullington & Washington Neighbourhood Plan (2019) and to the Heath Common Design Statement Supplementary Planning Document (2018).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the two-home scheme an acceptable, reduced redevelopment that retained landscape features, protected neighbours, raised no highway objection and delivered housing and biodiversity benefits.

“The scheme has evolved in response to the site’s constraints and planning history. The reduced scale of development, when compared to earlier refused proposals for three dwellings on the site, has enabled a layout that respects the established character of Heath Common, retains key landscape features and avoids overdevelopment.”

“The proposal would deliver tangible benefits, including the replacement of a long-derelict dwelling, a modest net increase in housing supply within a sustainable location, and improvements to the overall appearance and functionality of the site. These benefits attract positive weight in the planning balance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three members of the public spoke against the application, and two ward members spoke regarding the proposal or provided a statement.

What members discussed

Members discussed the site’s planning history, difficult access, stronger construction management, evergreen southern screening and different finishing materials for the homes.

“3 Members noted the planning history of the application site. Concerns were raised regarding access to the application site, as Hampers Lane was a narrow single lane track with a 90 degree turn into the access track leading to the four existing properties. It was explored whether as part of Condition 3 the number of requirements could be increased for the CMP strategy regarding how materials will be offloaded and would reach the site.”

“It was suggested to use evergreen planting to improve screening on the site’s southern boundary and to request to change the finishing materials used for one of the dwellings to differentiate it from the other.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in line with the officer recommendation, subject to the district licence process and revised conditions on construction management, materials and screening.

“That DC/25/1356 be approved in accordance with the Officer recommendation, subject to the completion of the district licence process and addition of relevant conditions, and:”

“- Condition 3 to be updated to require a detailed CMP strategy; - Condition 14 to be updated to require the submission of details of the materials to be used, to be agreed in consultation with the Chair; and - An informative to advise that boundary screen planting to the southern boundary shall be evergreen.”

Minutes