Community farm buildings at Land South Of Test Road, Sompting

What was proposed

The application sought an additional polytunnel and nature trail, permanent retention of temporary structures, and three buildings for the community farm.

“Proposal: Hybrid planning application comprising: (1) Outline planning permission (all matters reserved) for an additional polytunnel and Nature Trail. (2) The permanent retention of the existing temporary structures (shipping containers and compost toilet) under AWDM/2022/20.”

Officer report

The site and its use

The site is a countryside community farm providing food growing, mindfulness and wellbeing activities, including for people with health difficulties.

“The site sits to the south of Test Road in Sompting. The site (known as ‘The Fen Farm’ and ‘Sussex Chilli Farm’) is being used by the charity Sustainable Sussex as a community farm for food growing, mindfulness and wellbeing activities for mixed groups including those with learning disabilities and physical and mental health difficulties. The farm produces organic, healthy food which is supplied to local food banks and charities.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health and the parish council raised no objection or supported the scheme, while flood concerns were addressed through a revised assessment and conditions.

“West Sussex County Council: No objection from a transport/highways aspect subject to conditions to secure vehicle and cycle parking. Comments: Access Arrangements…”

“Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA): Original Comments: We are concerned that there are no drainage arrangements provided within the Flood Risk Assessment. As the site is at risk of surface water flooding and fluvial flooding we would expect to see, at a minimum, that any proposed drainage infrastructure is safe for all rainfall return periods up to and including the 1% AEP event [Annual Exceedance Probability] plus appropriate climate change allowance.”

Officer report

What local people said

Seven letters supported the farm’s community, health, education, employment, volunteering, sustainability and biodiversity benefits, with one request about possible livestock noise.

“Fully support application. ● Will allow community farm to continue and expand its valuable work for local residents ● Clear commitment to sustainability and local food production ● Enhanced biodiversity ● Will offer important educational opportunities ● Opportunities for local employment, volunteering and skill development ● Applicants have worked hard to transform the neglected land into a haven for…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker supported the application and explained its mental-health value, access arrangements, funding, operation and sheep flock.

The vote

Members proposed accepting the officer recommendation, seconded it, and voted unanimously in favour.

“This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

Biodiversity condition changed

Further biodiversity and conservation information led to a condition requiring implementation and monitoring under the farm’s Conservation Management Plan instead of a s106 agreement.

“Use of buildings to be ancillary to use of farm and not to be operated independently and not for other purposes. Prior to the commencement of development, details showing the proposed location of required fire hydrants shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Note: Whilst officers had originally recommended the use of a s.106, the applicants subsequently provided more information about BNG and conservation management of the farm so a condition to deal with this issue was subsequently agreed with the Chairman and no s106 is required (as reflected in the revised wording to Condition 23).”

Minutes