Six affordable flats at Tilgate Youth Centre, Tilgate, Crawley

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the housing, design, living conditions, highways, environmental effects and flood arrangements acceptable, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“The development of this site for residential purposes is acceptable in principle. This scheme would enable the delivery of much needed housing in the area. The proposed flatted development is considered acceptable in terms of its scale, design and siting integrating well with the surrounding built form, contributing positively to the character and appearance of the street scene.”

“The proposal would therefore accord with the policies set out within the Crawley Borough Local Plan 2023 – 2040, the relevant Supplementary Planning Documents and the NPPF 2024. It is therefore recommended that the scheme is granted planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a s106 legal agreement to secure the affordable housing provision.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, environmental health, ecology, trees, housing and other consultees raised no objection, generally subject to conditions.

“WSCC Highways No objection subject to conditions 2. Thames Water No objection subject to conditions 3. CBC Drainage Officer No objection subject to conditions 4. CBC Planning Arboricultural Officer No objection 5. Active Travel Crawley No comments received 6. CBC Refuse & Recycling Team No objection 7. Southern Water Ltd No objection subject to informative 8. CBC Energy Efficiency & Sustainability No objection subject to conditions 9.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor for the applicant, the agent and the Cabinet Member for Housing spoke in support of the application.

What members discussed

Members focused on parking, possible overspill, landscaping, tree retention and land slippage, while several supported the design and housing need.

“The Committee then considered the application. Committee members discussed the proposed parking provision and concerns were raised regarding the potential for overspill onto on-street parking spaces in the local area, where on-street parking was known to be challenging. Officers confirmed that the application proposed seven parking spaces which was policy compliant, and the addition of further spaces would result in the loss of the proposed landscaping.”

“In response to queries from Committee members, officers provided the following clarifications: • Tree T8 was to be retained. • New trees were proposed to be planted as part of the application. The type of trees would be determined by a landscaping scheme required by condition 16; the trees would be appropriately sized for the plot and take into account the location of the existing trees.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana and seconded by Councillor LeTissier before the committee voted.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor LeTissier as the Vice-Chair.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement and the conditions in the report.

“Permit subject to a Section 106 agreement and the conditions set out in report PES/528a.”

Minutes