Swimming pool commercial use at Rowan, Two Mile Ash, Horsham

What was proposed

The application sought mixed private and commercial use of an existing swimming pool for swimming lessons, with five weekday classes and seven customers per class.

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing swimming pool, including associated changing facilities, within the residential curtilage of Rowan, Two Mile Ash to allow mixed private and commercial use for swimming lessons. This application is a resubmission of a recently refused planning permission reference DC/24/0757 for similar proposal, ‘Change of use of swimming pool to include commercial use’.”

“The submitted planning statement explains that the swimming lessons would be undertaken during the weekdays Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:30 to 13.00. The proposal would consist of 7 no. customers per class with 2 no. teachers on site, with each class lasting 30 minutes. There would be total of 5 no. classes per day.”

Officer report

The site

The site contains a large detached house, a purpose-built pool building, existing hardstanding, a garage and a rear paddock outside the residential curtilage.

“The application site is located on the eastern side of Two Mile Ash. The main property is a large, detached two storey dwelling set within a generous plot. The existing swimming pool…”

“The swimming pool building is accessible from the driveway and is adjacent to an existing hardstanding area as well as a detached garage / storage building. The southern area of the site comprises a large rear paddock / field which is classed as being outside of the residential curtilage.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish council and three members of the public spoke against the application, while one member of the public spoke in support.

Committee concerns

Members focused on neighbouring amenity, parking beside Westlands, traffic congestion, vehicle noise and emissions, and sought clarification about highways conclusions.

“Members raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbouring amenity, including disruption to the currently peaceful environment and the proximity of customer parking to nearby properties, with particular concern for Westlands, which was located immediately adjacent to the proposed parking area.”

“The Committee also raised concerns regarding traffic congestion on the single- track road, and noise and emissions generated during vehicle start-up and from additional vehicle movements. Further clarification was requested on the conclusions of the West Sussex County Council Highways report.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application contrary to the officer recommendation because the changed use would unacceptably affect adjoining neighbours at Westlands.

“That DC/25/0606 be refused contrary to the Officer recommendation for the following reason: The proposed changed of use would result in unacceptable amenity impact on the adjoining neighbours at Westlands, contrary to Policy 33(2) of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015) and Policy 16 of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (2021).”

Minutes