Four traveller pitches at The Slips, West End Lane, Henfield

“The application seeks planning permission for the stationing of four static caravans, each with a private garden area, parking, and permeable hardstanding, together with four associated day rooms. The proposal also includes access from West End Lane, the provision of native hedgerow planting, replacement and enhancement of boundary vegetation, and the creation of an enhanced grassland area.”

“The application site, known as The Slips, is located on the southern side of West End Lane, Henfield, and comprises a broadly rectangular parcel of land accessed from the north via an existing gated entrance. The site is predominantly grassed and contains several mature…”

“DC/25/0519 Change of use of land to the stationing of caravans for 5 gypsy and traveller pitches with 5 associated dayrooms, hard and soft landscaping, and parking (revised description) Withdrawn Application on 05.08.2025”

“It is considered that although the application site is located within the countryside it is within a reasonable distance of services and facilities. Further, the scale of the site and its relationship with surrounding properties and land is such that there would be no adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity, highways safety concerns and landscape character subject to appropriately worded conditions.”

“When assessed against the policies of the NPPF taken as a whole, the adverse impacts identified, principally moderate landscape character change, do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the substantial benefits of delivering much-needed Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the District.”

“Further information is required before the drainage strategy can be supported. In particular, the applicant must provide full details of existing and proposed greenfield runoff rates (including Qbar), together with calculations for pre- and post-development runoff and discharge rates for the 100%, 3.33%, 1% and 1% +45% AEP storm events.”

“Additional information is required regarding permeable/impermeable area breakdowns, catchment plans, exceedance routing for extreme storm events, and measures to prevent pollution of receiving waters. Supporting foul drainage flow calculations are also needed, with confirmation that any treatment system complies with relevant legislation. A maintenance and management plan for all surface water and foul drainage features must be provided.”

“Increased pressure on local infrastructure • Drainage and surface water concerns • Cumulative impact and lack of proven local need…”

“The Parish Council considers the development to be contrary to multiple policies of the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF), including Policies 1–4 relating to strategic site selection, site allocation and development outside built-up area boundaries; Policies 19 and 21 relating to the provision of caravan and gypsy and traveller accommodation; and Policies 23, 25, 31, 33, 34, 39 and 40 concerning landscape impact, natural environment, design, infrastructure…”

“The Committee discussed the cumulative impact of the proposal and its potential harm to the countryside, landscape and environment.”

“Clarification was sought in relation to the sustainability of the site which included safe pedestrian access and opportunities for active travel to the village. Members also raised concerns regarding the potential for increased reliance on private car travel.”

“That DC/25/1700 be approved in accordance with the Officer recommendation, subject to an additional informative seeking that Ward Members be kept updated regarding the status of matters referred to within the informatives relating to Environmental Permits and Ordinary Watercourse Consent.”

“However, these matters are controlled under separate legislation and regulatory regimes. Environmental Permits are issued by the Environment Agency, whilst Ordinary Water Course consent is issued by West Sussex County Council in its capacity as Lead Local Flood…”