Up to nine homes at Oxcroft Farm, Small Dole, Henfield

What was proposed

Permission in Principle was sought to demolish existing buildings and build up to nine homes, with detailed matters reserved for later approval.

“Permission in Principle is sought for the redevelopment of Oxcroft Farm. The proposal comprises the demolition of the existing buildings on the site, and the erection of up to 9 x residential dwellings. An illustrative layout plan is submitted which shows how 9 dwellings can be accommodated on site. Currently the site is comprised of hardstanding and number of outbuildings.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a 0.547-hectare farmyard beside Henfield Road, outside the built-up boundary, with homes, industry and fields nearby.

“The site is enclosed in part by boundary fencing along its south-western edge. The land rises from Henfield Road, with the yard positioned at a slightly elevated level. Vehicular access is taken directly from Henfield Road to the east via an existing access track. To the north-east, the site adjoins Nos. 1 and 2 Henfield Road, both residential properties.”

Officer report

Objections and parish comments

Fifty-eight objection letters raised concerns including design, highways, amenity, privacy, noise, landscaping, overdevelopment and loss of agricultural land.

“Design • Highway Safety • Access and Parking • Loss of General Amenity • Overdevelopment • Loss of Privacy • Harmful light and noise • Trees and landscaping • Loss of agricultural land…”

“Upper Beeding Parish Council notes that the application site forms part of the wider allocation under Policy 7 of the Upper Beeding Neighbourhood Plan, which identifies land at Oxcroft Farm for around 20 dwellings, with potential for a higher number subject to review by Horsham District Council.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection in principle, while landscape advice supported the principle subject to later appraisal and Southern Water requested drainage details.

“As per Policy 4 of the UBNP, the existing vegetation, trees and habitats on site should be retained and incorporated into the proposal. The site offers opportunities to enhance green infrastructure through the retention of landscape features, and additional landscaping proposals. Overall, we consider that the principle of developing 9no.”

“OUTSIDE AGENCIES 3.7 Southern Water: Comment. Construction of the development shall not commence until details of the proposed means of foul/surface water drainage disposal have been submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Southern Water…”

Officer report

Public speakers

Three members of the public spoke against the application and two spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members discussed the working farm, local residents, the site location, housing density and planned sewage-treatment upgrades.

“Members noted the planning history of the application.”

“Members considered the impact on the working farm currently on site and local residents. Further discussion considered the site location, density of dwellings within the development and upgrades to the local sewage treatment works to be undertaken by Southern Water.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“That DC/25/1506 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes