Four-pitch gypsy site at Sussex Topiary, Naldretts Lane, Rudgwick

“This application is for the change of use of part of the application site to a four pitch settled gypsy site along with the formation of hardstanding and utility/day room buildings. Each pitch would be orientated around the shared central amenity space and would include a mobile home, day room/utility building, space for a touring caravan and 2no.vehicular parking spaces.”

“The application proposed 14 parking spaces for the development. The immediate surrounds of the site are characterised as countryside, with limited, sporadic residential development. While it is acknowledged that the site is located within 0.8km of the built-up area of Bucks Green and 1.2km of the built-up area of Rudgwick, the immediate surrounds comprise limited and sporadic residential development.”

“DC/19/2309 Change of use to four pitch settled gypsy site along with the formation of hardstanding and utility/day room buildings Application Refused on 07.01.2020 and dismissed at appeal on 07.11.2022.”

“DC/19/1362 Retrospective change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for four gypsy pitches, along with the formation of hardstanding and four utility/ day rooms ancillary to that use Application Permitted on 04.10.2019”

“Inconsistency in the information provided in regards to Water Neutrality and use of rainwater harvesting with the water being used for washing machines and then being used for potable purposes. Insufficient information with proposed UV treatment, insufficient information with the sewerage system and not site specific. Request to update a certain section regarding private water supplies being monitored by the council.”

“Ecology officer: No objection subject to condition.”

“Water provision and usage, pop up campsite on the same site already being advertised on ukcampsite.co.uk website, available from 1/4/2025-31/8/2025 with 75 pitches for tent, motorhome and caravans, with facilities including toilets, showers, water, available. Existing water provision gives occupants of the 4 proposed gypsy and traveller pitches opportunity to abstract water from this source, and add to issues in the Sussex North Water Supply Zone.”

“Increase in traffic • Increase risk to highway user safety • Existing issue with speeding • Drainage issues at the site would be made worse • Character and design would be harmed • Narrow access • Overdevelopment • Contrary to policies 23, 26 of the HDPF • Question over how the rainwater harvesting system will be monitored and the company identified for water treatment is not in business anymore.”

“Members raised concerns regarding public complaints received reporting the continuous smell of sewage present and discussed the options for foul drainage. It was requested that an informative be added to advise that the strategy for foul water disposal required by condition 3 should make use of the public sewer.”

“Further concerns were raised regarding the lack of a fire hydrant and it was agreed that a Regulatory Condition be added to require that a fire hydrant be provided on the site, or as near to the site as is practicable.”

“That DC/24/1502 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation (in line with the committee addendum), subject to amendments to the following: -”

“Additional Condition Regulatory Condition: A fire hydrant shall be provided on the site, or as near to the site as is practicable. The fire hydrant shall accord with the specifications set out by the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.”