Two semi-detached homes at Steton Works, Crawley Down

The site and surroundings

The site forms part of Chelsea Cottage’s garden, lies in the countryside, and is near a housing development nearing completion, a pavement and a bus stop.

“DM/26/0911 - Discharge of condition no's 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 relating to planning application DM/24/2981. Pending consideration. Site and Surroundings 9.1 The site forms part of the garden of Chelsea Cottage with a single storey detached timber outbuilding used as a garage and workshop. Adjoining this to the northeast is Steton Works a former commercial site which has permission for the construction of 5no. dwellings which is nearing completion.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers identified policy conflict but considered the housing, economic and sustainability benefits would outweigh adverse effects under the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

“This being in respect of what types of development are allowable under policies DP6, and DP15 of the MSDP. There is partial conflict with policy DP12, but the proposal does maintain the quality of the landscape character. As a result, it is considered that the application conflicts with the development plan when read as a whole.”

“Whilst the proposal conflicts with some policies in the development plan, it is not considered that it would lead to any adverse effects that would outweigh the benefits of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Notwithstanding that, while this is only two new dwellings, it would still contribute to the Council's much needed housing supply and make effective use of the land.”

Officer report

Design and heritage effects

The design was considered appropriate for the area, while conservation advice identified low-to-mid less-than-substantial harm to the listed building’s setting.

“Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (the Listed Buildings Act) states: 'In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a Listed Building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it…”

“This will have a significant adverse impact on the context within which the listed building is appreciated in the principle public views of the building, which are from the adjacent road, which would become suburban in nature.' Overall, she considers that the proposal through impact on setting, would result in harm to the special interest of Chelsea Cottage, and that this harm would be less than substantial at around the mid-range of that scale.”

Officer report

Consultees and representations

No representations were received, and consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal subject to conditions, including highways, ecology and environmental safeguards.

“Recommendation 3.1 It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to the conditions listed in Appendix A. Summary of Representations 4.1 None received. Summary of Consultees 5.1 A summary of the consultees final position can be found below. Details of their full comments can be found on the public planning file. Highways Authority…”

“I would consider that the proposal as amended will result in a low-mid level of less than substantial harm, through impact on setting, to the special interest of Chelsea Cottage.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The application was introduced by the Team Leader Applications.

The committee vote

Members approved the recommendation unanimously, with 11 votes in favour.

“The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report. These were approved unanimously with 11 votes in favour.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions in Appendix A.

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

Minutes