18 dwellings at Land North of East Street, Rusper

What was proposed

The application sought 18 two-storey homes, including six affordable homes, with access, parking, landscaping, open space and drainage.

“Full planning permission is sought for the erection of 18x dwellings together with associated access from East Street, open-space, landscaping and supporting infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a 0.9-hectare agricultural paddock outside Rusper’s built-up area, beside the conservation area and visible from nearby footpaths.

“The site presently comprises a single paddock in agricultural use together with its respective boundary vegetation, inclusive of a mature treed-hedgerow separating the site from East Street. The existing treed-hedgerow present to the southern site boundary has been subject to preparatory felling/clearance undertaken in advance of the submission of this application, with a circa 17m stretch removed to accommodate the proposed access.”

“The site is found adjacent to the Rusper Conservation Area, which bounds the site to the west, but is not itself subject to any heritage, environmental, flood-risk or ecological designation. The site, though, falls within the modelled ‘red’ risk zone for the presence of Great Crested Newt and within the designated mineral safeguarding area for Brick Clay which extends to the majority of Horsham District.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Seven residents objected over landscape, scale, traffic, access, tree loss, wildlife, water neutrality, parking, infrastructure and the village’s rural character.

“Concern regarding the adverse effects of development upon local landscape character; • The proposed scale of development is disproportionate to the area and would occur in conjunction with existing committed development in the vicinity of the site; • Concern regarding the adverse effects of proposed development upon highway operation and safety; • The proposed development would generate additional traffic; • Pedestrian access arrangements to/from the site are inadequate; •…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, and Rusper Parish Council spoke against the proposal.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the site, affordable housing, housing mix, pedestrian access, tree felling, biodiversity calculations, inclusivity, pavements and car dependence.

“Members discussed the suitability of the site location, affordable housing provision, housing mix and pedestrian access. Concerns were raised regarding tree felling on the site prior to the application being made and how this loss was not incorporated in the biodiversity net gain (BNG) calculations. This point however was clarified by Officers.”

“Due to the Council being unable to demonstrate a five-year land supply, Members were referred to the Council’s Shaping Development document, which provides guidance and criteria for proposed development. It was noted that the proposal met relevant criteria and supported sustainable development in a rural context.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“That DC/25/0523 be approved in accordance with Officer recommendation.”

Minutes