One new dwelling at Marchants Close, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks

What was proposed

Permission in principle was sought for one dwelling on land beside The Meadows at Little Park Farm.

“Purpose of Report 1.1 To consider the recommendation of the Assistant Director for Planning and Sustainable Economy on the application for a Permission in Principle as detailed above. Executive Summary 2.1 This application seeks Permission in Principle (PiP) for a single proposed dwelling on land adjacent to a property known as The Meadows, at Little Park Farm, off Marchants Close in Hurstpierpoint.”

“The application should therefore only take into consideration issues relevant to these 'in principle' matters. Other matters should be considered at the technical details stage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.16-hectare grassed site lies outside Hurstpierpoint’s built-up area, beside shared access, public open space and a Grade II* property.

“The Meadows’ and an adjacent completed dwelling at The Old Dairy (formerly referred to as Unit B) are located off a narrow-shared access track leading from the northern end of Marchants Close. This access track is shared with another residential property at North End House, which is located to the northeast of the site.”

“An extensive area of land to the east of the site adjacent to the access track is in use as Hurst Meadows Public Open Space. This land is allocated for use as public open space for informal recreation, referred to as Hurst Meadows in the Hurstpierpoint Neighbourhood Plan (Policy Amenities HurstA1: Hurst Meadows).”

Officer report

Earlier applications and approvals

The wider farmstead has a history of applications for dwellings, extensions, fencing, outbuildings and related changes, including approved schemes for three and two dwellings.

“The application is before members as in accordance with the Council’s Constitution a Planning Chairman and the relevant Ward Members were consulted on the application and it was requested that the application be determined by the Planning Committee. Relevant Planning History 8.1 The following applications have been made on land forming the wider site at the former farmstead and also on the property at The Meadows.”

“DM/22/0204. Removal of former dairy, mobile home and other outbuildings and construction of 2 dwellings (revisions to approved scheme DM/21/2367) now including garages and alterations to eastern unit to accommodate rooms within the roof space. Approved April 2022.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission in principle because the site was considered sustainable, able to accommodate one dwelling and beneficial to housing supply despite policy conflict.

“In terms of the scheme's benefits, the proposal would form one dwelling. Socially, the provision of the new dwelling will bring about positive impacts to the local community. The provision of a net increase in one dwelling on the site would make a minor contribution to the district's housing supply, which is a positive impact. The proposal would also result in construction jobs over the life of the build and an increased population likely to spend in the community.”

“The proposed site for the PiP proposal is part of the wider land ownership of The Meadows. The site is physically separated from the boundary of curtilage belonging to Little Park. Given the presence of the other recently constructed dwellings, and the now disused, former agricultural, Dutch barn building that lies between the site and Little Park, it is considered that the proposed site does not significantly contribute to the significance of the Listed Building…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways had no objection in principle, while conservation, trees, ecology, drainage and the parish council raised concerns or requested further information.

“Summary of Consultees West Sussex Highways Authority No Highway objection to the principle of a single dwelling in this location. The is a Public Right of Way (PROW) HSC 63HU running on the southeastern boundary of the site, this applicant will need to be mindful of this in any full applications submitted. Southern Water The development site is not located within Southern Water’s statutory area for water supply services.”

“Historic England Historic England provides advice when our engagement can add most value. In this case we are not offering advice. This should not be interpreted as comment on the merits of the application. MSDC Flood Risk & Drainage Team The site is in fluvial Flood Zone 1 and in an area at very low risk from surface water flooding in the present day. No information on how surface water drainage or foul drainage is to be managed at the site has been provided.”

Officer report

Objections from local people

Representations objected to countryside development, heritage impact, views, urbanisation, access, wildlife, trees, design, overdevelopment and policy conflict.

“- The Hurstpierpoint Society aims to protect and conserve the natural and built environment of the village and surrounding area. - The application would detract from the setting of Little Park Farm, a Grade II* heritage asset. - Fails to comply with District Plan Policies DP6, DP12, DP15 and DP34. - Fails to comply with NP Policies Hurst C1, C3 and H1. - Impact upon views from Hurst Meadows - Impact upon the semi rural character of the area.”

“A further representation has been received on behalf of the residents of Little Park, which contains the following additional points: - the development site forms a critical remaining buffer between the built development and the wider countryside. -The urbanisation will have a huge detrimental impact on the setting of Little Park, something the current owner has invested in heavily to preserve, maintain and enhance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An individual spoke in favour of the application.

What members discussed

Members discussed the site’s position outside the built-up area and the effect of the housing land supply position and one additional dwelling.

“A Member stated that they were unsure whether to support the application due to its positioning outside the built-up area boundary.”

“Members discussed the impact of the Council’s current inability to demonstrate a 5- year land supply, as well as the impact of a single dwelling toward that target.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members approved the recommendation by nine votes to two, following a proposal and seconder.

“As there were no further comments or questions, the Chair took Members to a vote on the recommendations as contained within the report. These were proposed by Councillor Kenny and seconded by Councillor Kennedy. These were approved with 9 in favour and 2 against.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission in principle was granted, subject to the informatives listed in Appendix A.

“Permission in principle was granted subject to the Informatives listed at Appendix A.”

Minutes

Further requirements

A biodiversity net gain condition and technical details informatives were listed, including ecology, drainage, access, parking and arboricultural information.

“It is suggested that as part of the technical consent application that the following information is provided: - Location Plan, - Block Plan, - Proposed Floor Plans, Elevations, Roof Plans, Sections and Street Scene (All to identifiable scales), - Biodiversity Net Gain information in accordance with The Biodiversity Gain (Town and Country Planning) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2024 and the Environment Act 2021, - Ecological Impact Assessment, - Surface Water and…”

“You are advised that the duration of this permission is 3 years from the date of this decision. Applications for technical details consent must be determined within the duration of the permission granted.”

Officer report