Assisted living building at Incorpore Ltd, 34 Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill

“Proposal: Demolition of existing building, erection of a part 4, part 5 storey building for assisted living accommodation for up to 14 occupiers and on-site staff facilities (Use Class C2) and commercial space on the lower ground floor (Use Class E).”

“The site consists of a large building which consists of a front single storey pitched roof section with a flat roof two storey rear portion which faces onto the Cyprus Road Car Park. The building extends over most of the elongated site and is highway visible within the public realm. An access road is located to the eastern side of the site, which is gated, however pedestrian access accessible along this access leading to the public car park to the north.”

“It is therefore not the case that a proposal must accord with each and every policy within the Development Plan. The development would provide specialist accommodation for vulnerable people, which is a type of accommodation where there is a recognised need (National Guidance in the PPG states that the need to provide housing for people with disabilities is critical).”

“Policy SA39 in the SADPD relates to specialist accommodation for older people and care homes. This supports such development in the built-up area. As such the principle of a facility on this site is acceptable. The site is within the built-up area of Burgess Hill which is a Settlement 1 Category. The site it therefore considered to be a suitable and sustainable location for the proposed facility.”

“- Drug and alcohol rehab does not fall under use class C2 - Insufficient consultation of the application - Building height is too imposing, out of character and incongruous to the area - Design in out of keeping with the area - Impact on privacy of residents - Increased noise and disturbance, compound existing impact of neighbouring properties - Proposed seating area to the front of the proposal would and windows to flats would have an impact on privacy of surrounding…”

“- Safety concerns to residents and possible criminal activity - Inappropriate use in the locality, other more appropriate site in the wider area - Impact on access to neighbouring properties from proposed development - Impact on highway safety, no proposed parking could lead to illegal parking blocking driveways and preventing access - No justification to position the access facing onto Burgess Hill Constitutional Club - No access to car park from the lane to the side of the…”

“The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report. These were approved with 8 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.”

“Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A.”