Roof cladding and insulation at Wonderpack Eco Ltd, Burgess Hill

“Proposal: Over clad of existing roof to encapsulate existing leaking asbestos cement roof panels. Improve insulation to the property and replace leaking gutters. The overall height of the building will be increased by c200mm. (Additional Plans received 28/08/2025)”

“Purpose of Report 1.1 To consider the recommendation of the Assistant Director for Planning and Sustainable Economy on the application for planning permission as detailed above. Executive Summary 2.1 This application seeks planning permission to over clad the existing roof using metal cladding in goosewing grey at 25 Victoria Gardens, Burgess Hill. The application has been referred to Committee because the site is on land owned by the District Council.”

“Recommendation 3.1 It is recommended that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A. Summary of Representations 4.1 No third-party letters of representation have been received in respect of this application 5.0 Summary of Consultees 5.1 Environmental Health Officer. No objection with the asbestos to be managed through the site’s Asbestos Risk Register and compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.”

“The building has a single storey flat roof extension on south and part of the west side, parking to the front and an external storage area on the east side. The locality is characterised by large warehouse units accessed from Victoria Gardens with a similar form and design. To the south of the site is woodland with housing beyond. Application Details 10.1 The existing roof is to be externally clad in metal cladding in goosewing grey with insulation underneath.”

“National policy (which is contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Policy Guidance) does not form part of the development plan, but is an important material consideration. The proposed alterations are considered to be of an appropriate design and to be acceptable to the character of the area. The proposal will not create significant harm to neighbouring amenities and will accord with policy DP26 of the Mid Sussex District Plan.”

“- optimises the potential of the site to accommodate development.’ The proposed alteration will cover approximately 1825 square metres of roof however the alterations will result in only an increase in height by 0.25 metres and no increase in footprint. The existing asbestos roof will be replaced with metal cladding in an appropriate grey colour.”

“Biodiversity Net Gain 12.9 Biodiversity net gain is required under a statutory framework introduced by Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Under the statutory framework for biodiversity net gain this application comprises development below the de-minimis threshold meaning that this development is exempt from providing biodiversity net gain.”

“Overall, Members were supportive and agreed with the recommendation, noting improving the building would be an asset to the warehouse. A Member was disappointed the application did not provide further details on the long-term impact of the asbestos management when the building was currently in use and potentially if the building was demolished. A Member provided feedback from his expertise of how the asbestos would be managed.”

“As there were no further comments, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation, proposed by Councillor Sweatman and seconded by Councillor Prescott. The application was approved with 9 in favour.”

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