Multiple occupation of units at Ashwyn Business Centre, Burgess Hill

What was proposed

The application sought removal of a condition restricting the ten units to separate business users and limiting occupation to units of 150 square metres or less.

“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 to remove Condition 8 of the planning approval under BH/205/84 to allow for multiple occupation of the 10 units at Ashwyn Business Centre, of Marchants Way in Burgess Hill. The application is being reported to committee as MSDC is the landowner.”

“The planning condition that the application seeks to remove currently restricts the use of the 10 starter units for separate business users. This restriction has historically been breached, and this application seeks to remove the condition to allow for units larger than 150 square metres to be used.”

Officer report

The site

Ashwyn Business Centre is a large industrial building with ten light industrial units, gated access points and on-site parking within an established industrial estate.

“Relevant Planning History 8.1 The following application is relevant to the current case. BH/205/84. Erection of 10 starter industrial units. Approved November 1984 9.0 Site and Surroundings 9.1 Ashwyn Business Centre is a large industrial building located within an established industrial estate (known as Sheddingdean Industrial Estate), which is located to the north east of Burgess Hill.”

Officer report

Earlier planning and current use

The ten starter units were approved in 1984, and the application would regularise one business’s combined use of Units 7 to 10.

“The application has been supported by a covering letter prepared by the applicant’s agent. The covering letter explains: the applicant’s business has been located on the Sheddingdean estate since March 2008, they are established at Unit G (and formerly at Unit K) on the estate, and that the business has grown in recent years, and they have occupied additional units within the Ashwyn Business Centre, which is located close to their sales unit.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the proposal supports economic development, uses an established employment site and would not harm transport, neighbours or the area’s character.

“The site is located within the built-up area boundary of Burgess Hill and as such is within a sustainable location for development. The proposal accords with the aims of District Plan Policy DP21 and can be supported on transport and accessibility grounds.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The council’s property service did not object, Burgess Hill Town Council recommended approval, and no representations were received.

“Recommendation 3.1 It is recommended that permission be granted to remove planning condition No: 8 of planning permission BH/205/84, subject to the conditions listed at Appendix A. Summary of Representations 4.1 None received. Summary of Consultees MSDC Corporate Estates (Property): The units can no longer be considered starter units given the length and nature of the current tenants who have been in occupation between 5-18 years.”

“Town/Parish Council Observations 6.1 Burgess Hill Town Council: Recommend Approval. Introduction 7.1 Ashwyn Business Centre on Marchants Way consists of a large industrial building in which 10 Light Industrial starter units were originally permitted under planning application BH/205/84. These units are in use by several companies.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the proposal and highlighted the site, its ten units, access points and nearby homes.

Members’ discussion

One member supported the application because it would improve opportunities for business development and economic growth.

“The Chairman noted that the item is before the Committee for consideration as the Council is the landowner. One member expressed their support of the application, expressing that it will improve the opportunities for business development and economic growth.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously agreed the recommendation, with 12 votes in favour.

“As there were no further questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report which was proposed by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Cherry. This was agreed unanimously with 12 in favour.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted to remove Condition 8, subject to the conditions listed in Appendix A.

“Permission was granted to remove planning condition No: 8 of planning permission BH/205/84, subject to the conditions listed at Appendix A.”

Minutes